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 want to relocate to a new city for better career opportunities.

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, but it opens up new opportunities.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To relocate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To relocate is a big decision that requires careful planning.

  To relocate is a big decision that requires careful planning.

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

  They asked me to relocate to their branch office.

  They asked me to relocate to their branch office.

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

  We need a larger space to relocate our business.

  We need a larger space to relocate our business.

  • "*To relocate* our business" modifies the noun "space."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a larger space *to relocate* our business).

Relocating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Relocating requires careful planning and organization.

  Relocating requires careful planning and organization.

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

  I enjoy relocating to different cities and experiencing new cultures.

  I enjoy relocating to different cities and experiencing new cultures.

  • "*Relocating* to different cities and experiencing new cultures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*relocating* to different cities and experiencing new cultures).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has been considering relocating for a better job opportunity.

  He has been considering relocating for a better job opportunity.

  • "*Relocating* for a better job opportunity" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has been considering) + noun phrase (*relocating* for a better job opportunity).

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

• plan
• decide
• hope
• want
• manage

Example

They plan to relocate to a bigger house next year.

He decided to relocate to a different country for a fresh start.

We hope to relocate to a more affordable area soon.

She wants to relocate closer to her family.

They managed to relocate their office without any major disruptions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

They recommend relocating to a city with lower living costs.

I am considering relocating to a different state for better weather.

She avoids relocating during the holiday season.

Can you imagine yourself relocating to a foreign country?

He wouldn't mind relocating if it means advancing his career.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to relocate to a warmer climate. I would like relocating to a warmer climate.

They started to relocate their business to a larger facility. They started relocating their business to a larger facility.

We began to relocate our family to a different neighborhood. We began relocating our family to a different neighborhood.