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To Rejoice vs Rejoicing 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 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 team.

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 a way to express happiness and gratitude.

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 brings people together in celebration.

    Rejoicing brings people together in celebration.

    • "*Rejoicing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (people together in celebration).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy rejoicing with my friends.

    I enjoy rejoicing with my friends.

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

    She has a passion for rejoicing in the little things.

    She has a passion for rejoicing in the little things.

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

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 rejoice at the victory party tomorrow.

They hope to rejoice in their accomplishments this year.

He wants to rejoice in the achievements of his teammates.

We decided to rejoice together after the game.

They agreed to rejoice in the team's success.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys rejoicing in the achievements of others.

They recommend rejoicing in every small victory.

I dislike the idea of rejoicing without a reason.

He avoids rejoicing in public.

Can you imagine yourself rejoicing with your loved ones?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to rejoice in the success of her friends. She likes rejoicing in the success of her friends.

We started to rejoice as soon as we heard the news. We started rejoicing as soon as we heard the news.

He began to rejoice when he achieved his goal. He began rejoicing when he achieved his goal.

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