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To Repair vs Repairing 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 repair (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to repair my car before I can drive it again.

Repairing (Gerund)

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

Example

Repairing cars is his profession.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To repair (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To repair a broken window, you will need some tools.

    To repair a broken window, you will need some tools.

    • "*To repair* a broken window" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (will need) + noun phrase (some tools).
  • 2Object

    She wants him to repair her computer.

    She wants him to repair her computer.

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

    I have a manual to repair bicycles.

    I have a manual to repair bicycles.

    • "*To repair* bicycles" modifies the noun "manual."
    • Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a manual *to repair* bicycles).

Repairing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Repairing computers requires specialized knowledge.

    Repairing computers requires specialized knowledge.

    • "*Repairing* computers" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (specialized knowledge).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy repairing old furniture.

    I enjoy repairing old furniture.

    • "*Repairing* old furniture" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*repairing* old furniture).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for repairing electronic devices.

    He has a talent for repairing electronic devices.

    • "For *repairing* electronic devices" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *repairing* electronic devices).

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 repair the roof next week.

I hope to repair my relationship with her.

He wants to repair the broken chair.

We decided to repair the old house instead of selling it.

They agreed to repair the damages caused by the storm.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys repairing bicycles in her free time.

They recommend regular repairing of household appliances.

I dislike the task of repairing leaky faucets.

He avoids repairing complicated machinery.

Can you imagine yourself repairing a broken laptop?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to repair vintage cars. He likes repairing vintage cars.

We started to repair our house after the flood. We started repairing our house after the flood.

She began to repair her bicycle herself. She began repairing her bicycle herself.

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