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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 clarify complex ideas.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rephrase (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rephrase is an important skill for effective communication.

    To rephrase is an important skill for effective communication.

    • "*To rephrase*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill for effective communication).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to rephrase her essay.

    She wants me to rephrase her essay.

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

    He needs a tool to rephrase sentences.

    He needs a tool to rephrase sentences.

    • "*To rephrase* sentences" modifies the noun "tool."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a tool *to rephrase* sentences).

Rephrasing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Rephrasing requires careful consideration of the audience.

    Rephrasing requires careful consideration of the audience.

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

    They appreciate my help in rephrasing their report.

    They appreciate my help in rephrasing their report.

    • "My help in *rephrasing* their report" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
    • Noun (They) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (my help in *rephrasing* their report).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for rephrasing complicated concepts.

    He has a talent for rephrasing complicated concepts.

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

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 rephrase the document before submitting it.

We want to rephrase the email for better clarity.

She decided to rephrase the paragraph for a more formal tone.

He chose to rephrase the sentence to avoid plagiarism.

I learned to rephrase sentences to improve my writing skills.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys rephrasing sentences to make them more concise.

Experts recommend regular rephrasing of content to engage readers.

I try to avoid rephrasing the same ideas repeatedly.

Can you imagine rephrasing this entire document in just one hour?

They struggle to understand the importance of rephrasing in effective communication.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to rephrase sentences to enhance clarity. She likes rephrasing sentences to enhance clarity.

We started to rephrase the document from scratch. We started rephrasing the document from scratch.

He began to rephrase his speech for better impact. He began rephrasing his speech for better impact.

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