When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To remain (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to remain" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to remain in the city for a few more days.
Remaining (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "remaining" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Remaining calm is essential in stressful situations.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To remain (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To remain is my only option at this point.
To remain is my only option at this point.
- "*To remain*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my only option at this point).
- 2Object
She wants me to remain by her side.
She wants me to remain by her side.
- "Me *to remain* by her side" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to remain* by her side).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a quiet place to remain focused.
I need a quiet place to remain focused.
- "*To remain* focused" modifies the noun "place."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to remain* focused).
Remaining (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Remaining positive can make a big difference.
Remaining positive can make a big difference.
- "*Remaining* positive" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can make) + noun phrase (a big difference).
- 2Object
I enjoy remaining active throughout the day.
I enjoy remaining active throughout the day.
- "*Remaining* active throughout the day" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*remaining* active throughout the day).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for remaining independent.
She has a passion for remaining independent.
- "For *remaining* independent" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *remaining* independent).
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 remain in the hotel for the night.
They hope to remain friends after the breakup.
He wants to remain anonymous during the interview.
We decided to remain at home instead of going out.
They agreed to remain silent about the incident.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys remaining in nature for hours.
They recommend remaining consistent with your goals.
I dislike the idea of remaining in this job forever.
He avoids remaining in toxic relationships.
Can you imagine yourself remaining calm during a crisis?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to remain in her comfort zone. She likes remaining in her comfort zone.
We started to remain positive despite the challenges. We started remaining positive despite the challenges.
He began to remain silent during the meeting. He began remaining silent during the meeting.
