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To Rehearse vs Rehearsing 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 rehearse (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to rehearse my lines for the play.

Rehearsing (Gerund)

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

Example

Rehearsing helps improve your performance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rehearse (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rehearse is essential for a successful performance.

    To rehearse is essential for a successful performance.

    • "*To rehearse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a successful performance).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to rehearse with the band.

    She wants me to rehearse with the band.

    • "Me *to rehearse* with the band" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to rehearse* with the band).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a quiet space to rehearse my presentation.

    I need a quiet space to rehearse my presentation.

    • "*To rehearse* my presentation" modifies the noun "space."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet space *to rehearse* my presentation).

Rehearsing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Rehearsing is necessary for a flawless performance.

    Rehearsing is necessary for a flawless performance.

    • "*Rehearsing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (necessary for a flawless performance).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy rehearsing with the band.

    I enjoy rehearsing with the band.

    • "*Rehearsing* with the band" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rehearsing* with the band).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for rehearsing her dance routines.

    She has a passion for rehearsing her dance routines.

    • "For *rehearsing* her dance routines" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *rehearsing* her dance routines).

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

They plan to rehearse the dance routine tonight.

I hope to rehearse my speech before the conference.

He wants to rehearse the song with the band.

We decided to rehearse the play one more time.

They agreed to rehearse the scene together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys rehearsing his lines with fellow actors.

They recommend regular rehearsing for a polished performance.

I dislike the idea of rehearsing in a small room.

She avoids rehearsing in noisy environments.

Can you imagine yourself rehearsing with a live band?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to rehearse her monologues in front of a mirror. She likes rehearsing her monologues in front of a mirror.

They started to rehearse the choreography for the dance performance. They started rehearsing the choreography for the dance performance.

He began to rehearse the musical composition on the piano. He began rehearsing the musical composition on the piano.

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