To Resemble vs Resembling 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 resemble (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to resemble my idol in every way.

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 actor, he attracted a lot of attention.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To resemble (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To resemble someone is a compliment.

  To resemble someone is a compliment.

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

  She wants me to resemble her in appearance.

  She wants me to resemble her in appearance.

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

  I need a makeover to resemble my favorite celebrity.

  I need a makeover to resemble my favorite celebrity.

  • "*To resemble* my favorite celebrity" modifies the noun "makeover."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a makeover *to resemble* my favorite celebrity).

Resembling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Resembling a celebrity can be advantageous in the entertainment industry.

  Resembling a celebrity can be advantageous in the entertainment industry.

  • "*Resembling* a celebrity" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (advantageous in the entertainment industry).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy resembling my favorite character in cosplay events.

  I enjoy resembling my favorite character in cosplay events.

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

  She has a talent for resembling famous personalities.

  She has a talent for resembling famous personalities.

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

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

• hope
• want
• decide
• choose
• determine

Example

They hope to resemble their parents when they grow up.

He wants to resemble his role model in every aspect.

We decided to resemble each other for the costume party.

She chose to resemble a famous historical figure for her school project.

He determined to resemble his sibling in appearance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• suggest
• consider
• avoid
• understand

Example

She enjoys resembling her favorite celebrity in photoshoots.

They suggest resembling a well-known character for the costume party.

I consider resembling my role model a great achievement.

He avoids resembling anyone else in his unique style.

Can you understand the importance of resembling a successful person?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to resemble her sister in looks. She likes resembling her sister in looks.

We started to resemble each other in appearance. We started resembling each other in appearance.

He began to resemble his father as he grew older. He began resembling his father as he grew older.