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To Reexplore vs Reexploring 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 reexplore (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to reexplore the city to discover new places.

Reexploring (Gerund)

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

Example

Reexploring the area brought back memories from my childhood.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reexplore (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reexplore is an exciting adventure.

    To reexplore is an exciting adventure.

    • "*To reexplore*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exciting adventure).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to reexplore the neighborhood with her.

    She wants me to reexplore the neighborhood with her.

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

    I need a map to reexplore the hiking trails.

    I need a map to reexplore the hiking trails.

    • "*To reexplore* the hiking trails" modifies the noun "map."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to reexplore* the hiking trails).

Reexploring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reexploring is a great way to rediscover hidden gems.

    Reexploring is a great way to rediscover hidden gems.

    • "*Reexploring*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to rediscover hidden gems).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reexploring the city streets at night.

    I enjoy reexploring the city streets at night.

    • "*Reexploring* the city streets at night" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reexploring* the city streets at night).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for reexploring her favorite destinations.

    She has a passion for reexploring her favorite destinations.

    • "For *reexploring* her favorite destinations" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *reexploring* her favorite destinations).

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

They plan to reexplore the ancient ruins next week.

He hopes to reexplore his favorite city someday.

She wants to reexplore the national park in the spring.

We decided to reexplore the historical sites this summer.

They agreed to reexplore the old town together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys reexploring the countryside on weekends.

They recommend reexploring the hiking trails for a different experience.

I dislike the idea of reexploring the same places again.

She avoids reexploring crowded tourist spots.

Can you imagine yourself reexploring ancient ruins?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to reexplore their favorite city. They like reexploring their favorite city.

He started to reexplore the abandoned building. He started reexploring the abandoned building.

We began to reexplore the national park. We began reexploring the national park.

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