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To Reroot vs Rerooting 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 reroot (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to reroot this plant in a bigger pot.

Rerooting (Gerund)

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

Example

Rerooting is essential for the growth of certain plants.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reroot (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reroot a plant takes patience and care.

    To reroot a plant takes patience and care.

    • "*To reroot* a plant" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (patience and care).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to reroot her succulent.

    She wants me to reroot her succulent.

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

    I need a larger pot to reroot this plant.

    I need a larger pot to reroot this plant.

    • "*To reroot* this plant" modifies the noun "pot."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a larger pot *to reroot* this plant).

Rerooting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Rerooting requires careful handling of the plant's roots.

    Rerooting requires careful handling of the plant's roots.

    • "*Rerooting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful handling of the plant's roots).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy rerooting my houseplants.

    I enjoy rerooting my houseplants.

    • "*Rerooting* my houseplants" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rerooting* my houseplants).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a knack for rerooting plants.

    She has a knack for rerooting plants.

    • "For *rerooting* plants" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *rerooting* plants).

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

She plans to reroot her garden next week.

They hope to reroot their plants successfully.

He wants to reroot the bonsai tree in a new pot.

We decided to reroot the orchids in a greenhouse.

They agreed to reroot the roses in a sunny spot.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys rerooting her succulents on weekends.

They recommend regular rerooting for healthy plant growth.

I dislike the process of rerooting plants in new soil.

He avoids rerooting plants during their blooming period.

Can you imagine yourself rerooting an entire garden?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to reroot her indoor plants. She likes rerooting her indoor plants.

We started to reroot our vegetable garden. We started rerooting our vegetable garden.

He began to reroot his bonsai collection. He began rerooting his bonsai collection.

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