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To Reconnect vs Reconnecting 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 reconnect (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to reconnect with old friends.

Reconnecting (Gerund)

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

Example

Reconnecting with nature can reduce stress.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reconnect (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reconnect is important for maintaining relationships.

    To reconnect is important for maintaining relationships.

    • "*To reconnect*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for maintaining relationships).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to reconnect with her family.

    She wants me to reconnect with her family.

    • "Me *to reconnect* with her family" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reconnect* with her family).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reliable internet connection to reconnect with my colleagues.

    I need a reliable internet connection to reconnect with my colleagues.

    • "*To reconnect* with my colleagues" modifies the noun "internet connection."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable internet connection *to reconnect* with my colleagues).

Reconnecting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reconnecting with oneself is essential for personal growth.

    Reconnecting with oneself is essential for personal growth.

    • "*Reconnecting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for personal growth).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reconnecting with old hobbies.

    I enjoy reconnecting with old hobbies.

    • "*Reconnecting* with old hobbies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reconnecting* with old hobbies).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for reconnecting with her cultural heritage.

    She has a passion for reconnecting with her cultural heritage.

    • "For *reconnecting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *reconnecting* with her cultural heritage).

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 reconnect with his childhood friends next month.

They hope to reconnect with their neighbors after the move.

She wants to reconnect with her high school classmates.

We decided to reconnect with our extended family this summer.

They agreed to reconnect with their former colleagues for a reunion.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys reconnecting with nature through hiking.

They recommend reconnecting with loved ones regularly.

I dislike the idea of reconnecting with toxic people.

She avoids reconnecting with negative memories.

Can you imagine yourself reconnecting with your inner child?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to reconnect with old friends. I would like reconnecting with old friends.

They started to reconnect after years of being apart. They started reconnecting after years of being apart.

He began to reconnect with his roots. He began reconnecting with his roots.

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