To Recall vs Recalling 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 recall (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to recall the details of the meeting.

Recalling (Gerund)

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

Example

Recalling the past can be both nostalgic and bittersweet.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To recall (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To recall is an important skill for memory retention.

  To recall is an important skill for memory retention.

  • "*To recall*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill for memory retention).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to recall the conversation we had.

  She wants me to recall the conversation we had.

  • "Me *to recall* the conversation we had" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to recall* the conversation we had).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strategy to recall information quickly.

  I need a strategy to recall information quickly.

  • "*To recall* information quickly" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to recall* information quickly).

Recalling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Recalling memories can bring joy and happiness.

  Recalling memories can bring joy and happiness.

  • "*Recalling* memories" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can bring) + noun phrase (joy and happiness).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy recalling my childhood experiences.

  I enjoy recalling my childhood experiences.

  • "*Recalling* my childhood experiences" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*recalling* my childhood experiences).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a knack for recalling details.

  She has a knack for recalling details.

  • "For *recalling* details" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *recalling* details).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to recall the key points during the presentation.

They hope to recall their memories of the trip.

He wants to recall the password for his account.

We decided to recall the steps for solving the problem.

They agreed to recall the events accurately.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys recalling happy moments from her past.

They recommend recalling positive affirmations for self-motivation.

I dislike recalling embarrassing moments in public.

He avoids recalling painful memories from the past.

Can you imagine yourself recalling your favorite childhood memories?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to recall important information during exams. She likes recalling stories from her favorite books.

We started to recall our dreams every morning. We started recalling our favorite moments together.

He began to recall his past achievements. He began recalling his favorite travel experiences.