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To Rephrase vs Rephrasing 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 rephrase (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to rephrase this sentence to make it clearer.

Rephrasing (Gerund)

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

Example

Rephrasing can help improve the clarity of your writing.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rephrase (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rephrase is a skill that can be learned.

    To rephrase is a skill that can be learned.

    • "*To rephrase*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a skill that can be learned).
  • 2Object

    She asked me to rephrase the paragraph.

    She asked me to rephrase the paragraph.

    • "Me *to rephrase* the paragraph" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to rephrase* the paragraph).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need an example to rephrase for practice.

    I need an example to rephrase for practice.

    • "*To rephrase* for practice" modifies the noun "example."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (an example *to rephrase* for practice).

Rephrasing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Rephrasing requires careful attention to wording.

    Rephrasing requires careful attention to wording.

    • "*Rephrasing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful attention to wording).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy rephrasing sentences to make them more concise.

    I enjoy rephrasing sentences to make them more concise.

    • "*Rephrasing* sentences" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rephrasing* sentences).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for rephrasing complex ideas.

    He has a talent for rephrasing complex ideas.

    • "For *rephrasing* complex ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *rephrasing* complex ideas).

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

We decided to rephrase the document for clarity.

He attempted to rephrase the complicated concept in simpler terms.

She wants to rephrase the sentence to avoid ambiguity.

They are learning to rephrase sentences in their English class.

I hope to rephrase the paragraph before the deadline.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

I try to avoid rephrasing the same sentence multiple times.

They are considering rephrasing the introduction of their essay.

Experts recommend rephrasing unclear sentences for better understanding.

Do you mind rephrasing this paragraph for me?

Let's discuss the benefits of rephrasing in academic writing.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to rephrase this sentence. I would like rephrasing this sentence.

He began to rephrase the document from scratch. He began rephrasing the document from scratch.

We will continue to rephrase the paragraphs until they are clear. We will continue rephrasing the paragraphs until they are clear.

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