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To Reopen vs Reopening 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 reopen (Infinitive)

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

Example

They decided to reopen the restaurant after renovations.

Reopening (Gerund)

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

Example

The reopening of the gallery was a grand event.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reopen (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reopen the store was a difficult decision.

    To reopen the store was a difficult decision.

    • "*To reopen* the store" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (was) + noun phrase (a difficult decision).
  • 2Object

    She wants him to reopen the case.

    She wants him to reopen the case.

    • "Him *to reopen* the case" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (him *to reopen* the case).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a key to reopen the door.

    We need a key to reopen the door.

    • "*To reopen* the door" modifies the noun "key."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a key *to reopen* the door).

Reopening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reopening the pool took longer than expected.

    Reopening the pool took longer than expected.

    • "*Reopening* the pool" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (took) + noun phrase (longer than expected).
  • 2Object

    I enjoyed reopening old memories.

    I enjoyed reopening old memories.

    • "*Reopening* old memories" is the object of the verb "enjoyed."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoyed) + gerund (*reopening* old memories).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They are excited about the reopening of the museum.

    They are excited about the reopening of the museum.

    • "The *reopening* of the museum" is the object of the preposition "about."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are) + preposition (about) + noun phrase (the *reopening* of the museum).

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 reopen the business next month.

I hope to reopen my restaurant soon.

He wants to reopen the museum for public viewing.

We decided to reopen the park for visitors.

They agreed to reopen the theater for performances.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys reopening old books and discovering new stories.

Experts recommend the reopening of schools for better education.

I dislike the idea of reopening the discussion on that topic.

He avoids reopening old wounds and prefers to move on.

Can you imagine the excitement surrounding the reopening of the theme park?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to reopen her shop after the holidays. She likes reopening her shop after the holidays.

They started to reopen the business after the lockdown. They started reopening the business after the lockdown.

He began to reopen the restaurant for outdoor dining. He began reopening the restaurant for outdoor dining.

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