To Reframe vs Reframing 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 reframe (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to reframe the conversation to focus on solutions.

Reframing (Gerund)

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

Example

Reframing can lead to better problem-solving.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reframe (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To reframe is a powerful communication technique.

  To reframe is a powerful communication technique.

  • "*To reframe*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a powerful communication technique).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to reframe the problem in a different way.

  She wants me to reframe the problem in a different way.

  • "Me *to reframe* the problem in a different way" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reframe* the problem in a different way).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a new perspective to reframe the issue.

  We need a new perspective to reframe the issue.

  • "*To reframe* the issue" modifies the noun "perspective."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new perspective *to reframe* the issue).

Reframing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Reframing requires a shift in perspective.

  Reframing requires a shift in perspective.

  • "*Reframing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a shift in perspective).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy reframing challenges into opportunities.

  I enjoy reframing challenges into opportunities.

  • "*Reframing* challenges into opportunities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reframing* challenges into opportunities).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for reframing difficult situations.

  He has a talent for reframing difficult situations.

  • "For *reframing* difficult situations" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *reframing* difficult situations).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to reframe the discussion during the meeting.

I hope to reframe the argument in a more positive light.

She wants to reframe the narrative to emphasize equality.

We decided to reframe our approach to the project.

They agreed to reframe the situation from a different angle.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys reframing problems to find creative solutions.

Experts recommend reframing negative thoughts for better mental health.

I dislike the idea of reframing the story to fit a certain narrative.

He avoids reframing conflicts to maintain peace.

Can you imagine yourself reframing challenges as opportunities?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to reframe difficult situations as learning experiences. I like reframing difficult situations as learning experiences.

They started to reframe their mindset for personal growth. They started reframing their mindset for personal growth.

He began to reframe the problem from a different angle. He began reframing the problem from a different angle.