To Resolve vs Resolving 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 resolve (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Resolving (Gerund)

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

Example

Resolving conflicts requires effective communication.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To resolve (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To resolve conflicts peacefully is important in any relationship.

  To resolve conflicts peacefully is important in any relationship.

  • "*To resolve* conflicts peacefully" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in any relationship).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to resolve the problem.

  She wants me to resolve the problem.

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

  We need a mediator to resolve the dispute.

  We need a mediator to resolve the dispute.

  • "*To resolve* the dispute" modifies the noun "mediator."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mediator *to resolve* the dispute).

Resolving (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Resolving conflicts is a necessary skill in the workplace.

  Resolving conflicts is a necessary skill in the workplace.

  • "*Resolving* conflicts" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary skill in the workplace).
• 2. Object

  They enjoy resolving complex issues.

  They enjoy resolving complex issues.

  • "*Resolving* complex issues" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (They) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resolving* complex issues).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  I have a talent for resolving problems.

  I have a talent for resolving problems.

  • "For *resolving* problems" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *resolving* problems).

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

• agree
• plan
• decide
• want
• hope

Example

They agreed to resolve the issue together.

We plan to resolve the conflict peacefully.

He decided to resolve the matter on his own.

She wants to resolve the disagreement amicably.

I hope to resolve the problem before the deadline.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• mind
• consider
• imagine

Example

She avoids resolving conflicts through aggression.

Experts recommend resolving conflicts through mediation.

Do you mind resolving this issue for us?

They are considering resolving the matter in court.

Can you imagine resolving the conflict peacefully?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to resolve this problem as soon as possible. I would like resolving this problem as soon as possible.

He started to resolve the issue immediately. He started resolving the issue immediately.

We began to resolve the conflict through negotiation. We began resolving the conflict through negotiation.