To Reset vs Resetting 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 reset (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to reset my password because I forgot it.

Resetting (Gerund)

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

Example

Resetting your device can often solve software issues.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reset (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To reset is the only solution for fixing the issue.

  To reset is the only solution for fixing the issue.

  • "*To reset*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the only solution for fixing the issue).
• 2. Object

  He asked me to reset his phone.

  He asked me to reset his phone.

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

  I need a pin to reset the device.

  I need a pin to reset the device.

  • "*To reset* the device" modifies the noun "pin."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pin *to reset* the device).

Resetting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Resetting is a common troubleshooting step for many electronic devices.

  Resetting is a common troubleshooting step for many electronic devices.

  • "*Resetting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common troubleshooting step for many electronic devices).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy resetting my phone to improve its performance.

  I enjoy resetting my phone to improve its performance.

  • "*Resetting* my phone" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resetting* my phone).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has experience in resetting various devices.

  She has experience in resetting various devices.

  • "In *resetting* various devices" is the object of the preposition "in."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (experience in *resetting* various devices).

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

• decide
• attempt
• refuse
• demand
• wish

Example

She decided to reset her computer to factory settings.

They attempted to reset the router, but it didn't work.

He refused to reset the system without proper authorization.

The customer demanded to reset their account password immediately.

I wish to reset the settings to default.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• mind
• consider
• postpone

Example

To prevent data loss, always avoid resetting your device without backup.

Experts recommend regularly resetting your computer for optimal performance.

Do you mind resetting the network settings on your device?

They are considering resetting the system to resolve the issue.

He decided to postpone resetting his phone until after the meeting.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to reset my device to its default settings. I would like resetting my device to its default settings.

Let's start to reset the system now. Let's start resetting the system now.

She began to reset her computer when it started freezing. She began resetting her computer when it started freezing.