To Repent vs Repenting Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To repent (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to repent for my mistakes.

Repenting (Gerund)

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

Example

Repenting is a sign of remorse.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To repent (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To repent is a necessary step towards personal growth.

  To repent is a necessary step towards personal growth.

  • "*To repent*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step towards personal growth).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to repent for my actions.

  She wants me to repent for my actions.

  • "Me *to repent* for my actions" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to repent* for my actions).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a chance to repent and make amends.

  I need a chance to repent and make amends.

  • "*To repent* and make amends" modifies the noun "chance."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a chance *to repent* and make amends).

Repenting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Repenting requires acknowledging one's faults.

  Repenting requires acknowledging one's faults.

  • "*Repenting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (acknowledging one's faults).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy repenting and seeking forgiveness.

  I enjoy repenting and seeking forgiveness.

  • "*Repenting* and seeking forgiveness" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*repenting* and seeking forgiveness).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a habit of repenting after making mistakes.

  He has a habit of repenting after making mistakes.

  • "Of *repenting* after making mistakes" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *repenting* after making mistakes).

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

• decide
• attempt
• hope
• wish
• choose

Example

He decided to repent and change his ways.

They attempted to repent for their past mistakes.

I hope to repent and seek forgiveness.

We wish to repent and start anew.

She chose to repent and apologize.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• mind
• recommend
• understand

Example

They avoid repenting and taking responsibility for their actions.

I am considering repenting and making things right.

Do you mind repenting and asking for forgiveness?

Experts recommend repenting and seeking reconciliation.

She understands the importance of repenting and learning from mistakes.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

He likes to repent and reflect on his actions. He likes repenting and reflecting on his actions.

We began to repent for our wrongdoings. We began repenting for our wrongdoings.

They continue to repent for their past sins. They continue repenting for their past sins.