To Replace vs Replacing 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 replace (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to replace the broken lightbulb.

Replacing (Gerund)

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

Example

Replacing the broken lightbulb is necessary.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To replace (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To replace is a necessary task in home maintenance.

  To replace is a necessary task in home maintenance.

  • "*To replace*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary task in home maintenance).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to replace the old furniture.

  She wants me to replace the old furniture.

  • "Me *to replace* the old furniture" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to replace* the old furniture).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I bought new tools to replace the old ones.

  I bought new tools to replace the old ones.

  • "*To replace* the old ones" modifies the noun "tools."
  • Noun (I) + verb (bought) + noun phrase (new tools *to replace* the old ones).

Replacing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Replacing the old furniture is a challenging task.

  Replacing the old furniture is a challenging task.

  • "*Replacing* the old furniture" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging task).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy replacing the worn-out tires on my car.

  I enjoy replacing the worn-out tires on my car.

  • "*Replacing* the worn-out tires on my car" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*replacing* the worn-out tires on my car).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a passion for replacing old electronics.

  He has a passion for replacing old electronics.

  • "For *replacing* old electronics" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *replacing* old electronics).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

He plans to replace the broken window tomorrow.

We hope to replace the roof before winter comes.

They want to replace the outdated appliances.

She decided to replace the worn-out carpet with hardwood flooring.

They agreed to replace the damaged fence together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys replacing the broken tiles in her kitchen.

They recommend regular replacing of air filters for better air quality.

I dislike the idea of replacing all the furniture in the house.

He avoids replacing the plumbing pipes by himself.

Can you imagine yourself replacing the engine of a car?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to replace the faulty wiring. He likes replacing the faulty wiring.

We started to replace the old windows. We started replacing the old windows.

She began to replace the broken tiles in the bathroom. She began replacing the broken tiles in the bathroom.