To Relocate vs Relocating Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To relocate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to relocate to a new city for a job opportunity.

Relocating (Gerund)

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

Example

Relocating can be a challenging process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To relocate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To relocate is a big decision.

  To relocate is a big decision.

  • "*To relocate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a big decision).
• 2. Object

  They want me to relocate to their headquarters.

  They want me to relocate to their headquarters.

  • "Me *to relocate* to their headquarters" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (me *to relocate* to their headquarters).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a bigger house to relocate my family.

  I need a bigger house to relocate my family.

  • "*To relocate* my family" modifies the noun "house."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bigger house *to relocate* my family).

Relocating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Relocating requires careful planning.

  Relocating requires careful planning.

  • "*Relocating*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy relocating to new places.

  I enjoy relocating to new places.

  • "*Relocating* to new places" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*relocating* to new places).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of relocating to unfamiliar cities.

  She has a fear of relocating to unfamiliar cities.

  • "Of *relocating* to unfamiliar cities" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *relocating* to unfamiliar cities).

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

• decide
• hope
• want
• plan
• choose

Example

She decided to relocate to a warmer climate.

I hope to relocate to a bigger city in the future.

He wants to relocate for better career prospects.

We are planning to relocate to a different country.

They chose to relocate to a more affordable area.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

They are considering relocating for a better quality of life.

Experts recommend researching before relocating.

He avoids unnecessary stress by planning ahead when relocating.

Can you imagine yourself relocating to a different country?

I don't mind relocating if it means new opportunities.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to relocate to a coastal city. I would like relocating to a coastal city.

They started to relocate their business to a larger office space. They started relocating their business to a larger office space.

She began to relocate her belongings to the new house. She began relocating her belongings to the new house.