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To Relax vs Relaxing 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 relax (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to relax on the beach during my vacation.

Relaxing (Gerund)

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

Example

Relaxing helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To relax (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To relax is important for maintaining good mental health.

    To relax is important for maintaining good mental health.

    • "*To relax*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for maintaining good mental health).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to relax and take a break.

    She wants me to relax and take a break.

    • "Me *to relax* and take a break" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to relax* and take a break).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a quiet environment to relax.

    I need a quiet environment to relax.

    • "*To relax*" modifies the noun "environment."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet environment *to relax*).

Relaxing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Relaxing is essential for overall well-being.

    Relaxing is essential for overall well-being.

    • "*Relaxing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for overall well-being).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy relaxing with a good book.

    I enjoy relaxing with a good book.

    • "*Relaxing* with a good book" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*relaxing* with a good book).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for relaxing in nature.

    She has a passion for relaxing in nature.

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

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 relax at the spa this weekend.

They hope to relax on their vacation to Hawaii.

He wants to relax in a hammock by the beach.

We decided to relax and unwind at the cabin.

They agreed to relax and enjoy a peaceful day.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys relaxing at the spa every month.

They recommend regular relaxing activities for stress relief.

I dislike the idea of relaxing in a noisy environment.

He avoids relaxing in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself relaxing on a tropical island?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to relax in a cozy atmosphere. She likes relaxing in a cozy atmosphere.

We started to relax before bedtime. We started relaxing before bedtime.

He began to relax with meditation techniques. He began relaxing with meditation techniques.

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