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To Recollect vs Recollecting 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 recollect (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to recollect all the details of that event.

Recollecting (Gerund)

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

Example

Recollecting those moments brings back a flood of emotions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To recollect (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To recollect is important for accurate storytelling.

    To recollect is important for accurate storytelling.

    • "*To recollect*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for accurate storytelling).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to recollect the names of everyone present.

    She wants me to recollect the names of everyone present.

    • "Me *to recollect* the names of everyone present" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to recollect* the names of everyone present).
  • 3Adverb Modifier

    I need a moment to recollect myself.

    I need a moment to recollect myself.

    • "*To recollect* myself" modifies the noun "moment."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a moment *to recollect* myself).

Recollecting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Recollecting the past can be both nostalgic and painful.

    Recollecting the past can be both nostalgic and painful.

    • "*Recollecting* the past" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (both nostalgic and painful).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy recollecting my favorite childhood memories.

    I enjoy recollecting my favorite childhood memories.

    • "*Recollecting* my favorite childhood memories" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*recollecting* my favorite childhood memories).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for recollecting details from any situation.

    She has a talent for recollecting details from any situation.

    • "For *recollecting* details from any situation" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *recollecting* details from any situation).

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

He plans to recollect all the necessary information before the meeting.

They hope to recollect their childhood memories during the family reunion.

She wants to recollect her thoughts before giving the presentation.

We decided to recollect the details of our previous conversation.

They agreed to recollect their experiences for the documentary.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys recollecting old photographs and reminiscing about the past.

They recommend regular recollecting of dreams for better self-understanding.

I dislike the process of recollecting painful memories.

She avoids recollecting past mistakes to focus on the present.

Can you imagine yourself recollecting the events of your first day at school?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to recollect my dreams in the morning. I like recollecting my dreams in the morning.

They started to recollect their family history. They started recollecting their family history.

She began to recollect all the facts for her research paper. She began recollecting all the facts for her research paper.

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