To Resort vs Resorting 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 resort (Infinitive)

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

Example

They decided to resort to online shopping during the pandemic.

Resorting (Gerund)

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

Example

Resorting to violence is never the solution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To resort (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To resort to extreme measures is not always necessary.

  To resort to extreme measures is not always necessary.

  • "*To resort* to extreme measures" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always necessary).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to resort to using a different method.

  She wants me to resort to using a different method.

  • "Me *to resort* to using a different method" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to resort* to using a different method).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a backup plan to resort to in case of emergencies.

  We need a backup plan to resort to in case of emergencies.

  • "*To resort* to in case of emergencies" modifies the noun "backup plan."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a backup plan *to resort* to in case of emergencies).

Resorting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Resorting to lying will only make things worse.

  Resorting to lying will only make things worse.

  • "*Resorting* to lying" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (will only make) + noun phrase (things worse).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy resorting to reading when I'm stressed.

  I enjoy resorting to reading when I'm stressed.

  • "*Resorting* to reading" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resorting* to reading).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has no choice but resorting to extreme measures.

  He has no choice but resorting to extreme measures.

  • "No choice but *resorting* to extreme measures" is the object of the preposition "but."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (no choice but *resorting* to extreme measures).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to resort to virtual meetings for the time being.

I hope to resort to using public transportation soon.

He wants to resort to a different strategy for the project.

We decided to resort to outsourcing the work.

They agreed to resort to reducing expenses.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• postpone
• imagine

Example

They recommend resorting to mediation for conflict resolution.

She avoids resorting to name-calling during arguments.

I am considering resorting to online tutoring for my child.

He postponed resorting to drastic measures until all options are explored.

Can you imagine resorting to stealing just to survive?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to resort to relaxation techniques when she's stressed. She likes resorting to relaxation techniques when she's stressed.

They started to resort to working remotely during the pandemic. They started resorting to working remotely during the pandemic.

He began to resort to using a personal trainer for fitness goals. He began resorting to using a personal trainer for fitness goals.