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To Remind vs Reminding 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 remind (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to remind you about the meeting tomorrow.

Reminding (Gerund)

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

Example

Reminding others of their tasks is part of my job.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To remind (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To remind is my responsibility as the team leader.

    To remind is my responsibility as the team leader.

    • "*To remind*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my responsibility as the team leader).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to remind her of the deadline.

    She wants me to remind her of the deadline.

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

    I need a note to remind me of the important tasks.

    I need a note to remind me of the important tasks.

    • "*To remind* me of the important tasks" modifies the noun "note."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a note *to remind* me of the important tasks).

Reminding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reminding others of their responsibilities is important.

    Reminding others of their responsibilities is important.

    • "*Reminding* others of their responsibilities" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reminding my colleagues of the upcoming events.

    I enjoy reminding my colleagues of the upcoming events.

    • "*Reminding* my colleagues of the upcoming events" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reminding* my colleagues of the upcoming events).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for reminding people of their commitments.

    She has a talent for reminding people of their commitments.

    • "For *reminding* people of their commitments" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *reminding* people of their commitments).

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 remind everyone about the upcoming event.

They hope to remind him of the instructions before the test.

He wants to remind them of the safety precautions.

We decided to remind ourselves of the agenda for the meeting.

They agreed to remind each other about the deadlines.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes reminding her team members of their goals.

We started reminding ourselves of the deadlines.

He began reminding his clients about the upcoming promotions.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to remind herself of the important details. She likes reminding herself of the important details.

We started to remind each other of the deadlines. We started reminding each other of the deadlines.

He began to remind his colleagues about the new policies. He began reminding his colleagues about the new policies.

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