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To Reminisce vs Reminiscing 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 reminisce (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to reminisce about our old memories.

Reminiscing (Gerund)

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

Example

Reminiscing about the past brings back fond memories.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reminisce (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reminisce is a popular activity among old friends.

    To reminisce is a popular activity among old friends.

    • "*To reminisce*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity among old friends).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to reminisce with her.

    She wants me to reminisce with her.

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

    I need a quiet place to reminisce about my childhood.

    I need a quiet place to reminisce about my childhood.

    • "*To reminisce* about my childhood" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to reminisce* about my childhood).

Reminiscing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reminiscing is a way to connect with your roots.

    Reminiscing is a way to connect with your roots.

    • "*Reminiscing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a way to connect with your roots).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reminiscing with my friends.

    I enjoy reminiscing with my friends.

    • "*Reminiscing* with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reminiscing* with my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of reminiscing about her childhood.

    She has a habit of reminiscing about her childhood.

    • "Of *reminiscing* about her childhood" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *reminiscing* about her childhood).

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

They plan to reminisce about their college days next weekend.

I hope to reminisce with my siblings during the family reunion.

He wants to reminisce about their trip to Europe.

We decided to reminisce about our favorite childhood games.

They agreed to reminisce about their high school adventures together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy reminiscing about their school days.

I recommend reminiscing as a form of self-reflection.

She dislikes the idea of reminiscing about past mistakes.

He avoids reminiscing about his failed relationships.

Can you imagine yourself reminiscing with your loved ones?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to reminisce about her travels. She likes reminiscing about her travels.

We started to reminisce about our childhood memories. We started reminiscing about our childhood memories.

He began to reminisce about his time in the military. He began reminiscing about his time in the military.

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