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To Regard vs Regarding 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 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 as a learning opportunity.

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 the issue, we need to take immediate action.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To regard (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    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).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to regard her as a trustworthy friend.

    She wants me to regard her as a trustworthy friend.

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

  • 1Subject

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

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

    • "*Regarding* your request" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (will) + noun phrase (you soon).
  • 2Object

    I have some concerns regarding this decision.

    I have some concerns regarding this decision.

    • "*Regarding* this decision" is the object of the verb "have."
    • Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (some concerns *regarding* this decision).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She received an email regarding the upcoming event.

    She received an email regarding the upcoming event.

    • "*Regarding* the upcoming event" is the object of the preposition "about."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (received) + noun phrase (an email *regarding* the upcoming event).

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

She plans to regard this project as a priority.

They hope to regard each other as equals in their relationship.

He wants to regard his team members as family.

We decided to regard this setback as an opportunity for growth.

They agreed to regard each other's opinions with respect.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Please consider regarding the matter seriously.

They recommend taking immediate action regarding this issue.

Do you mind regarding this topic in your presentation?

He avoids making any statements regarding controversial topics.

Can you imagine the consequences regarding this decision?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to regard this situation from a different perspective. I would like regarding this situation from a different perspective.

They started to regard their employees' well-being as a top priority. They started regarding their employees' well-being as a top priority.

He began to regard his failures as valuable lessons. He began regarding his failures as valuable lessons.

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