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To Retool vs Retooling 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 retool (Infinitive)

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

Example

The company decided to retool its manufacturing process to increase efficiency.

Retooling (Gerund)

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

Example

Retooling the manufacturing process is crucial for increasing efficiency.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To retool (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To retool is necessary for the company to stay competitive.

    To retool is necessary for the company to stay competitive.

    • "*To retool*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (necessary) + noun phrase (for the company to stay competitive).
  • 2Object

    They want us to retool the production line.

    They want us to retool the production line.

    • "Us *to retool* the production line" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to retool* the production line).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need new tools to retool the factory.

    We need new tools to retool the factory.

    • "*To retool* the factory" modifies the noun "tools."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + adjective (new) + noun phrase (tools *to retool* the factory).

Retooling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Retooling requires careful planning and execution.

    Retooling requires careful planning and execution.

    • "*Retooling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and execution).
  • 2Object

    We enjoy retooling our production methods.

    We enjoy retooling our production methods.

    • "*Retooling* our production methods" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (We) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*retooling* our production methods).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They are considering the benefits of retooling.

    They are considering the benefits of retooling.

    • "Of *retooling*" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are considering) + noun phrase (the benefits of *retooling*).

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

The company plans to retool its operations next year.

They decided to retool their marketing strategy.

I hope to retool my skills to advance in my career.

He attempted to retool the machinery, but encountered difficulties.

She refused to retool the software program as requested.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend regular retooling for optimizing performance.

To avoid obsolescence, the company must consider retooling.

They delayed retooling until the next fiscal year.

Can you imagine the possibilities of retooling our production line?

It is important to understand the benefits of retooling before making a decision.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She would like to retool the assembly line. She would like retooling the assembly line.

They started to retool their business model. They started retooling their business model.

He began to retool the company's operations. He began retooling the company's operations.

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