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To Regret vs Regretting 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 regret (Infinitive)

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

Example

I regret to swim in the cold water.

Regretting (Gerund)

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

Example

Regretting is a normal reaction to past mistakes.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To regret (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To regret is a common feeling after making a mistake.

    To regret is a common feeling after making a mistake.

    • "*To regret*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common feeling after making a mistake).
  • 2Object

    She regrets me to swim in the race.

    She regrets me to swim in the race.

    • "Me *to swim* in the race" is the object of the verb "regrets."
    • Noun (She) + verb (regrets) + noun phrase (me *to swim* in the race).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a wetsuit to swim comfortably in cold water.

    I need a wetsuit to swim comfortably in cold water.

    • "*To swim* comfortably in cold water" modifies the noun "wetsuit."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wetsuit *to swim* comfortably in cold water).

Regretting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Regretting your actions can lead to personal growth.

    Regretting your actions can lead to personal growth.

    • "*Regretting* your actions" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (personal growth).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy regretting my decisions.

    I enjoy regretting my decisions.

    • "*Regretting* my decisions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*regretting* my decisions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of regretting her choices.

    She has a habit of regretting her choices.

    • "Of *regretting* her choices" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *regretting* her choices).

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 regrets to swim in the lake instead of going to the party.

They regret to swim with sharks without proper training.

He regrets to swim in the deep end of the pool.

We regret to swim in the polluted river.

They regret to swim in the race without proper preparation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes regretting her mistakes to learn from them.

We started regretting our actions and made amends.

He began regretting his choices and sought guidance.

They continue regretting their past behavior and strive for improvement.

The therapy sessions help in regretting and moving on from past mistakes.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to regret her impulsive decisions. She likes regretting her impulsive decisions.

We started to regret not taking swimming lessons earlier. We started regretting not taking swimming lessons earlier.

He began to regret skipping swimming practice. He began regretting skipping swimming practice.

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