To Rebel vs Rebelling Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To rebel (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to rebel" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I refuse to rebel against unfair rules.

Rebelling (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "rebelling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Rebelling against authority is sometimes necessary.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rebel (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To rebel is a form of protest against injustice.

  To rebel is a form of protest against injustice.

  • "*To rebel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of protest against injustice).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to rebel against the authorities.

  She wants me to rebel against the authorities.

  • "Me *to rebel* against the authorities" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to rebel* against the authorities).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a cause to rebel for.

  I need a cause to rebel for.

  • "*To rebel* for" modifies the noun "cause."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cause *to rebel* for).

Rebelling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Rebelling is a way to challenge the status quo.

  Rebelling is a way to challenge the status quo.

  • "*Rebelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a way to challenge the status quo).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy rebelling against unfair rules.

  I enjoy rebelling against unfair rules.

  • "*Rebelling* against unfair rules" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rebelling* against unfair rules).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for rebelling against injustice.

  She has a passion for rebelling against injustice.

  • "For *rebelling*" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *rebelling* against injustice).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

• decide
• plan
• attempt
• wish
• pretend

Example

We decided to rebel against the oppressive regime.

They plan to rebel against the unjust policies.

He attempted to rebel against the corrupt system.

She wishes to rebel for a better future.

We pretend to rebel to make a statement.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• mind
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He considers rebelling against the oppressive regime.

They recommend peaceful rebelling for social change.

I don't mind rebelling against unjust laws.

She avoids rebelling in violent ways.

Can you imagine yourself rebelling for your rights?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to rebel against authority. He likes rebelling against authority.

We started to rebel against the system. We started rebelling against the system.

She began to rebel against unfair treatment. She began rebelling against unfair treatment.