To Reestablish vs Reestablishing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

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

To reestablish (Infinitive)

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

Example

We plan to reestablish our business after the pandemic.

Reestablishing (Gerund)

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

Example

Reestablishing trust takes time and effort.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reestablish (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To reestablish trust is crucial in a relationship.

  To reestablish trust is crucial in a relationship.

  • "*To reestablish* trust" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial in a relationship).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to reestablish contact with her.

  She wants me to reestablish contact with her.

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

  I need a plan to reestablish our reputation.

  I need a plan to reestablish our reputation.

  • "*To reestablish* our reputation" modifies the noun "plan."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to reestablish* our reputation).

Reestablishing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Reestablishing connections is important in networking.

  Reestablishing connections is important in networking.

  • "*Reestablishing* connections" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in networking).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy reestablishing old friendships.

  I enjoy reestablishing old friendships.

  • "*Reestablishing* old friendships" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reestablishing* old friendships).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for reestablishing traditions.

  She has a passion for reestablishing traditions.

  • "For *reestablishing* traditions" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *reestablishing* traditions).

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

• hope
• decide
• determine
• attempt
• manage

Example

We hope to reestablish our partnership with them.

They decided to reestablish their friendship.

He determined to reestablish his career after the setback.

She attempted to reestablish the connection.

We managed to reestablish communication with the team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• postpone
• understand

Example

They recommend reestablishing regular exercise routines.

I am considering reestablishing my previous career path.

He avoids reestablishing contact with toxic people.

Let's postpone reestablishing the project until next month.

I understand the importance of reestablishing trust in relationships.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She would like to reestablish the company's reputation. She would like reestablishing the company's reputation.

They began to reestablish their presence in the market. They began reestablishing their presence in the market.

He will continue to reestablish his career in a new field. He will continue reestablishing his career in a new field.