To Regard vs Regarding 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 regard (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to regard this matter seriously.

Regarding (Gerund)

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

Example

Regarding your request, we will get back to you soon.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To regard (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To regard others with respect is important.

  To regard others with respect is important.

  • "*To regard* others with respect" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to regard her opinion.

  She wants me to regard her opinion.

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

  I need a different perspective to regard the situation.

  I need a different perspective to regard the situation.

  • "*To regard* the situation" modifies the noun "perspective."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a different perspective *to regard* the situation).

Regarding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Regarding your question, I have some concerns.

  Regarding your question, I have some concerns.

  • "*Regarding* your question" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (have) + noun phrase (some concerns).
• 2. Object

  I appreciate your input regarding this matter.

  I appreciate your input regarding this matter.

  • "*Regarding* this matter" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
  • Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (*regarding* this matter).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She is unsure regarding her decision.

  She is unsure regarding her decision.

  • "*Regarding* her decision" is the object of the preposition "unsure."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (is) + preposition (unsure) + gerund (*regarding* her decision).

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
• want
• decide
• attempt
• choose

Example

They hope to regard each other as equals.

He wants to regard this issue from a different angle.

We decided to regard their feedback seriously.

She attempted to regard the situation objectively.

They chose to regard the incident as a learning opportunity.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• deny
• imagine

Example

They are considering various options regarding the project.

I recommend seeking legal advice regarding this matter.

He avoids making any statements regarding the ongoing investigation.

She denies having any knowledge regarding the incident.

Can you imagine the possibilities regarding this new technology?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to regard your opinion. I would like regarding your opinion.

We started to regard this issue seriously. We started regarding this issue seriously.

He began to regard his health as a priority. He began regarding his health as a priority.