To Rep vs Repping 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 rep (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to rep my favorite brand by wearing their clothes.

Repping (Gerund)

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

Example

Repping a brand is a way to show your support.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rep (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To rep is a common slang term used among young people.

  To rep is a common slang term used among young people.

  • "*To rep*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a common slang term used among young people).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to rep her company at the event.

  She wants me to rep her company at the event.

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

  I need a new shirt to rep my favorite sports team.

  I need a new shirt to rep my favorite sports team.

  • "*To rep* my favorite sports team" modifies the noun "shirt."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new shirt *to rep* my favorite sports team).

Repping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Repping different brands has become a popular trend among young people.

  Repping different brands has become a popular trend among young people.

  • "*Repping* different brands" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (has become) + noun phrase (a popular trend among young people).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy repping my favorite team by wearing their merchandise.

  I enjoy repping my favorite team by wearing their merchandise.

  • "*Repping* my favorite team by wearing their merchandise" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*repping* my favorite team by wearing their merchandise).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for repping new and upcoming artists.

  She has a talent for repping new and upcoming artists.

  • "For *repping* new and upcoming artists" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *repping* new and upcoming artists).

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

• like
• start
• begin
• continue
• intend

Example

They really like to rep trendy fashion brands.

He started to rep a local artist's work in his gallery.

We began to rep a new product for our company.

She continues to rep her favorite musician by attending all their concerts.

I intend to rep my school at the upcoming competition.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys repping local businesses in his community.

I recommend repping sustainable fashion brands for a greener planet.

They are considering repping a new product line for their store.

She avoids repping brands that don't align with her values.

Can you imagine yourself repping a cause you believe in?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to rep her favorite band by wearing their merchandise. She likes repping her favorite band by wearing their merchandise.

We started to rep a local charity organization. We started repping a local charity organization.

He began to rep a new clothing line. He began repping a new clothing line.