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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 is necessary for recovery and rejuvenation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rest (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rest is important for your overall well-being.

    To rest is important for your overall well-being.

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

    She wants me to rest at her house.

    She wants me to rest at her house.

    • "Me *to rest* at her house" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to rest* at her house).
  • 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 helps in reducing stress levels.

    Resting helps in reducing stress levels.

    • "*Resting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (in reducing stress levels).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy resting on the couch.

    I enjoy resting on the couch.

    • "*Resting* on the couch" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resting* on the couch).
  • 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 at the beach tomorrow.

They hope to rest in a peaceful environment during their vacation.

He wants to rest in a quiet room.

We decided to rest at the cabin this weekend.

They agreed to rest at the hotel together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys resting in a hammock every afternoon.

They recommend regular resting for better productivity.

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 bed. She likes resting in a cozy bed.

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

He began to rest earlier in the evening. He began resting earlier in the evening.

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