When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To recur (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to recur" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't want to recur the same mistake.
Recurring (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "recurring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Recurring issues need to be addressed immediately.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To recur (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To recur is a common pattern in this series of events.
To recur is a common pattern in this series of events.
- "*To recur*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common pattern in this series of events).
- 2Object
He asked her to recur the dream details.
He asked her to recur the dream details.
- "Her *to recur* the dream details" is the object of the verb "asked."
- Noun (He) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (her *to recur* the dream details).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a reminder to recur every hour.
I need a reminder to recur every hour.
- "*To recur* every hour" modifies the noun "reminder."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reminder *to recur* every hour).
Recurring (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Recurring problems can be frustrating.
Recurring problems can be frustrating.
- "*Recurring* problems" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (frustrating).
- 2Object
I enjoy recurring in my thoughts.
I enjoy recurring in my thoughts.
- "*Recurring* in my thoughts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*recurring* in my thoughts).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of recurring nightmares.
She has a fear of recurring nightmares.
- "Of *recurring* nightmares" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *recurring* nightmares).
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 recur the event next year.
They hope to recur their success in the future.
He wants to recur the same feeling of happiness.
We decided to recur the experiment with different variables.
They agreed to recur the discussion at a later time.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys recurring in her favorite TV show.
They recommend addressing recurring issues promptly.
I dislike the idea of recurring problems in my life.
He avoids recurring conflicts with his colleagues.
Can you imagine the frustration of recurring failures?
