To Resume vs Resuming 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 resume (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to resume my studies after taking a break.

Resuming (Gerund)

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

Example

Resuming regular exercise can improve your overall health.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To resume (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To resume is a wise decision after a long hiatus.

  To resume is a wise decision after a long hiatus.

  • "*To resume*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a wise decision after a long hiatus).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to resume my job as soon as possible.

  She wants me to resume my job as soon as possible.

  • "Me *to resume* my job as soon as possible" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to resume* my job as soon as possible).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a quiet place to resume my writing.

  I need a quiet place to resume my writing.

  • "*To resume* my writing" modifies the noun "place."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to resume* my writing).

Resuming (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Resuming regular exercise is important for staying fit.

  Resuming regular exercise is important for staying fit.

  • "*Resuming* regular exercise" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for staying fit).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy resuming my hobbies after a busy day.

  I enjoy resuming my hobbies after a busy day.

  • "*Resuming* my hobbies after a busy day" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resuming* my hobbies after a busy day).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for resuming her career.

  She has a passion for resuming her career.

  • "For *resuming* her career" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *resuming* her career).

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

He plans to resume his training next week.

We hope to resume normalcy soon.

They want to resume their travels around the world.

I decided to resume my previous job.

The team agreed to resume their practices.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys resuming his favorite TV series.

Doctors recommend resuming physical therapy after surgery.

She dislikes resuming her old habits.

They avoid resuming unhealthy eating habits.

Can you imagine resuming your dream job?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to resume my morning routine. I like resuming my morning routine.

We started to resume our weekly meetings. We started resuming our weekly meetings.

He began to resume his studies. He began resuming his studies.