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To Relish vs Relishing 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 relish (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to relish every moment of this vacation.

Relishing (Gerund)

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

Example

Relishing the flavors of different cuisines is one of my hobbies.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To relish (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To relish the taste of victory is a great feeling.

    To relish the taste of victory is a great feeling.

    • "*To relish*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great feeling).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to relish this opportunity.

    She wants me to relish this opportunity.

    • "Me *to relish* this opportunity" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to relish* this opportunity).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a good book to relish on my vacation.

    I need a good book to relish on my vacation.

    • "*To relish* on my vacation" modifies the noun "book."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good book *to relish* on my vacation).

Relishing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Relishing spicy food can be an acquired taste.

    Relishing spicy food can be an acquired taste.

    • "*Relishing* spicy food" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (an acquired taste).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy relishing the beauty of nature.

    I enjoy relishing the beauty of nature.

    • "*Relishing* the beauty of nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*relishing* the beauty of nature).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for relishing new experiences.

    She has a passion for relishing new experiences.

    • "For *relishing* new experiences" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *relishing* new experiences).

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 relish the delicious food at the restaurant tonight.

They hope to relish the beautiful scenery during their hike.

He wants to relish the freedom of retirement.

We decided to relish the moment and celebrate our success.

They agreed to relish the excitement of the concert together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys relishing a good cup of coffee in the morning.

They recommend relishing the sunset at the beach.

I dislike the idea of relishing spicy food.

He avoids relishing foods with strong odors.

Can you imagine yourself relishing the flavors of exotic dishes?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to relish the little joys in life. She likes relishing the little joys in life.

We started to relish our newfound freedom. We started relishing our newfound freedom.

He began to relish the challenges that came his way. He began relishing the challenges that came his way.

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