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To Resemble vs Resembling 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 resemble (Infinitive)

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

Example

She wants to resemble her favorite celebrity.

Resembling (Gerund)

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

Example

Resembling a famous painting, her artwork gained recognition.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To resemble (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To resemble someone famous is a common desire.

    To resemble someone famous is a common desire.

    • "*To resemble* someone famous" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common desire).
  • 2Object

    He asked me to resemble his ex-girlfriend.

    He asked me to resemble his ex-girlfriend.

    • "Me *to resemble* his ex-girlfriend" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (He) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to resemble* his ex-girlfriend).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a wig to resemble the character.

    I need a wig to resemble the character.

    • "*To resemble* the character" modifies the noun "wig."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wig *to resemble* the character).

Resembling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Resembling a masterpiece, the painting captivated everyone.

    Resembling a masterpiece, the painting captivated everyone.

    • "*Resembling* a masterpiece" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (captivated) + noun phrase (everyone).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy resembling my favorite actor when I perform.

    I enjoy resembling my favorite actor when I perform.

    • "*Resembling* my favorite actor" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resembling* my favorite actor).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for resembling different characters.

    She has a talent for resembling different characters.

    • "For *resembling* different characters" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *resembling* different characters).

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 resemble her favorite celebrity at the costume party.

They hope to resemble each other as they grow older.

He wants to resemble his father in appearance and personality.

We decided to resemble twins for Halloween.

They agreed to resemble their favorite movie characters for the cosplay event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys resembling historical figures in her paintings.

They recommend resembling famous works of art for inspiration.

I dislike the idea of resembling someone else too closely.

He avoids resembling his siblings in any way.

Can you imagine yourself resembling a celebrity on the red carpet?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to resemble her favorite singer. She likes resembling her favorite singer.

We started to resemble each other after spending so much time together. We started resembling each other after spending so much time together.

He began to resemble his grandfather as he got older. He began resembling his grandfather as he got older.

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