Help center

To Rejoice vs Rejoicing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 rejoice (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to rejoice in the success of my friends.

Rejoicing (Gerund)

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

Example

Rejoicing is an expression of happiness and joy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rejoice (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rejoice is a natural response to good news.

    To rejoice is a natural response to good news.

    • "*To rejoice*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural response to good news).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to rejoice with her.

    She wants me to rejoice with her.

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

    I need a reason to rejoice today.

    I need a reason to rejoice today.

    • "*To rejoice* today" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to rejoice* today).

Rejoicing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Rejoicing can be seen during festive occasions.

    Rejoicing can be seen during festive occasions.

    • "*Rejoicing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be seen) + noun phrase (during festive occasions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy rejoicing with my loved ones.

    I enjoy rejoicing with my loved ones.

    • "*Rejoicing* with my loved ones" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rejoicing* with my loved ones).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for rejoicing in the achievements of others.

    She has a passion for rejoicing in the achievements of others.

    • "For *rejoicing* in the achievements of others" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *rejoicing* in the achievements of others).

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 hope to rejoice together at the end of the project.

He wants to rejoice in the achievements of his team.

We decided to rejoice and celebrate our accomplishments.

She attempted to rejoice despite the challenges she faced.

They chose to rejoice in the little victories along the way.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys rejoicing in the success of her friends.

They recommend rejoicing together as a way to celebrate.

Can you imagine the feeling of rejoicing after achieving your goals?

He avoids rejoicing prematurely, preferring to wait for the right moment.

I don't mind rejoicing in the accomplishments of others.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to rejoice in the achievements of her team. She likes rejoicing in the success of her team.

We began to rejoice as soon as we heard the good news. We began rejoicing as soon as we heard the good news.

He continues to rejoice in every small victory. He continues rejoicing in every small victory.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!