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To Relieve vs Relieving 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 relieve (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to relieve my stress by taking a vacation.

Relieving (Gerund)

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

Example

Relieving stress can improve your overall well-being.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To relieve (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To relieve stress is important for maintaining good mental health.

    To relieve stress is important for maintaining good mental health.

    • "*To relieve* stress" 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 relieve her pain.

    She wants me to relieve her pain.

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

    He needs a massage to relieve his muscle tension.

    He needs a massage to relieve his muscle tension.

    • "*To relieve* his muscle tension" modifies the noun "massage."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a massage *to relieve* his muscle tension).

Relieving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Relieving stress is essential for a healthy lifestyle.

    Relieving stress is essential for a healthy lifestyle.

    • "*Relieving* stress" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a healthy lifestyle).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy relieving my tension through yoga.

    I enjoy relieving my tension through yoga.

    • "*Relieving* my tension" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*relieving* my tension).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for relieving other people's pain.

    She has a passion for relieving other people's pain.

    • "For *relieving* other people's pain" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *relieving* other people's pain).

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 relieve her stress by going on a spa retreat.

They hope to relieve their anxiety through meditation.

He wants to relieve his back pain with chiropractic treatment.

We decided to relieve our boredom by watching a movie.

They agreed to relieve their fatigue by getting enough sleep.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys relieving stress through meditation and deep breathing.

They recommend regular exercise for relieving stress and improving mood.

I dislike the idea of relieving stress with medication.

He avoids relieving stress by overworking himself.

Can you imagine the benefits of relieving stress through relaxation techniques?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to relieve her headaches with aromatherapy. She likes relieving her headaches with aromatherapy.

We started to relieve our muscle soreness by doing stretching exercises. We started relieving our muscle soreness by doing stretching exercises.

He began to relieve his stress by practicing mindfulness meditation. He began relieving his stress by practicing mindfulness meditation.

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