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To Recline vs Reclining 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 recline (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to recline on the beach and soak up the sun.

Reclining (Gerund)

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

Example

Reclining is a comfortable way to watch TV.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To recline (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To recline is a great way to relax after a long day.

    To recline is a great way to relax after a long day.

    • "*To recline*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to relax after a long day).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to recline on the comfortable chair.

    She wants me to recline on the comfortable chair.

    • "Me *to recline* on the comfortable chair" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to recline* on the comfortable chair).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a soft mattress to recline comfortably.

    I need a soft mattress to recline comfortably.

    • "*To recline* comfortably" modifies the noun "mattress."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft mattress *to recline* comfortably).

Reclining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reclining helps alleviate back pain.

    Reclining helps alleviate back pain.

    • "*Reclining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (alleviate back pain).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reclining in my favorite armchair.

    I enjoy reclining in my favorite armchair.

    • "*Reclining* in my favorite armchair" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reclining* in my favorite armchair).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a preference for reclining on a chaise lounge.

    She has a preference for reclining on a chaise lounge.

    • "For *reclining*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *reclining* on a chaise lounge).

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 recline on the hammock this weekend.

They hope to recline by the pool during their vacation.

He wants to recline in the shade.

We decided to recline on the deck chairs.

They agreed to recline together on the beach.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys reclining on the couch every evening.

They recommend regular reclining for better posture.

I dislike the idea of reclining in uncomfortable chairs.

He avoids reclining in stiff office chairs.

Can you imagine yourself reclining in a massage chair?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to recline on the recliner. She likes reclining on the recliner.

We started to recline on the patio furniture. We started reclining on the patio furniture.

He began to recline in his favorite armchair. He began reclining in his favorite armchair.

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