To Refer vs Referring 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 refer (Infinitive)

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

Example

I agree to refer this matter to the committee for further discussion.

Referring (Gerund)

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

Example

Referring to the notes can help you remember important information.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To refer (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To refer is a common practice in academic writing.

  To refer is a common practice in academic writing.

  • "*To refer*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in academic writing).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to refer to the manual for instructions.

  She wants me to refer to the manual for instructions.

  • "Me *to refer* to the manual for instructions" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to refer* to the manual for instructions).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a reliable source to refer to in my research.

  I need a reliable source to refer to in my research.

  • "*To refer* to in my research" modifies the noun "source."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable source *to refer* to in my research).

Referring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Referring to the manual is essential for proper operation of the equipment.

  Referring to the manual is essential for proper operation of the equipment.

  • "*Referring* to the manual" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for proper operation of the equipment).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy referring to online resources for additional information.

  I enjoy referring to online resources for additional information.

  • "*Referring* to online resources for additional information" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*referring* to online resources for additional information).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of referring to her notes during presentations.

  She has a habit of referring to her notes during presentations.

  • "Of *referring* to her notes during presentations" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *referring* to her notes during presentations).

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

• decide
• choose
• demand
• wish
• hope

Example

We decided to refer the case to a higher court.

He chose to refer to the previous chapter for more information.

They demand to refer to the original documents.

I wish to refer you to our customer support team for assistance.

We hope to refer this matter to an expert for analysis.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• suggest
• mind

Example

They recommend referring to the user manual for troubleshooting steps.

He avoids referring to outdated sources for accurate information.

I am considering referring to a specialist for further evaluation.

She suggests referring to the company's guidelines for proper procedures.

Do you mind referring to me by my first name?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to refer to this book for historical context. I like referring to this book for historical context.

They started to refer to him as their mentor. They started referring to him as their mentor.

He began to refer to himself as an expert. He began referring to himself as an expert.