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To Rest vs Resting 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 rest (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to rest after a long day of work.

Resting (Gerund)

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

Example

Resting helps rejuvenate the body and mind.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rest (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rest is essential for our well-being.

    To rest is essential for our well-being.

    • "*To rest*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for our well-being).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to rest for a while.

    She wants me to rest for a while.

    • "Me *to rest* for a while" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to rest* for a while).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a comfortable bed to rest my tired body.

    I need a comfortable bed to rest my tired body.

    • "*To rest* my tired body" modifies the noun "bed."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable bed *to rest* my tired body).

Resting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Resting is important for recovery after exercise.

    Resting is important for recovery after exercise.

    • "*Resting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for recovery after exercise).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy resting in a hammock.

    I enjoy resting in a hammock.

    • "*Resting* in a hammock" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resting* in a hammock).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of resting after lunch.

    She has a habit of resting after lunch.

    • "Of *resting* after lunch" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *resting* after lunch).

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 rest on the weekend.

They hope to rest during their vacation.

He wants to rest in peace and quiet.

We decided to rest at home today.

They agreed to rest for a few minutes.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys resting in nature.

They recommend taking breaks and resting throughout the day.

I dislike the idea of resting for too long.

He avoids resting in uncomfortable positions.

Can you imagine yourself resting on a tropical beach?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to rest in a cozy armchair. She likes resting in a cozy armchair.

We started to rest more often. We started resting more often.

He began to rest after every workout. He began resting after every workout.

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