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To Recertify vs Recertifying Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

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

To recertify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to recertify my CPR training every two years.

Recertifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Recertifying demonstrates a commitment to professional development.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To recertify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To recertify is a requirement for maintaining my professional license.

    To recertify is a requirement for maintaining my professional license.

    • "*To recertify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a requirement for maintaining my professional license).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to recertify her forklift operation skills.

    She wants me to recertify her forklift operation skills.

    • "Me *to recertify* her forklift operation skills" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to recertify* her forklift operation skills).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a valid certification to recertify my credentials.

    I need a valid certification to recertify my credentials.

    • "*To recertify* my credentials" modifies the noun "certification."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid certification *to recertify* my credentials).

Recertifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Recertifying is essential for staying up-to-date with industry standards.

    Recertifying is essential for staying up-to-date with industry standards.

    • "*Recertifying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for staying up-to-date with industry standards).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy recertifying my skills through continuing education courses.

    I enjoy recertifying my skills through continuing education courses.

    • "*Recertifying* my skills through continuing education courses" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*recertifying* my skills through continuing education courses).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for recertifying her professional qualifications.

    She has a passion for recertifying her professional qualifications.

    • "For *recertifying* her professional qualifications" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *recertifying* her professional qualifications).

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

Example

She plans to recertify her teaching license before the new school year.

They hope to recertify their first aid skills to be prepared for emergencies.

He wants to recertify his scuba diving certification before their upcoming dive trip.

We decided to recertify our project management credentials to enhance our career prospects.

They agreed to recertify their occupational therapy license together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend regularly recertifying your cybersecurity knowledge to stay ahead of threats.

I am considering recertifying my teaching credentials to expand my career options.

He avoids recertifying his driver's license by driving safely and responsibly.

She decided to delay recertifying her medical license until after her maternity leave.

Can you imagine yourself recertifying your professional qualifications in a new field?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to recertify her lifeguard training every summer. She likes recertifying her lifeguard training every summer.

We started to recertify our software development skills. We started recertifying our software development skills.

He began to recertify his pilot license last month. He began recertifying his pilot license last month.

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