To Reuse vs Reusing 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 reuse (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to reuse this plastic bottle instead of throwing it away.

Reusing (Gerund)

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

Example

Reusing items reduces waste and saves money.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reuse (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To reuse is an eco-friendly habit.

  To reuse is an eco-friendly habit.

  • "*To reuse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (an eco-friendly habit).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to reuse these containers.

  She wants me to reuse these containers.

  • "Me *to reuse* these containers" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reuse* these containers).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a recycling bin to reuse old paper.

  We need a recycling bin to reuse old paper.

  • "*To reuse* old paper" modifies the noun "bin."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a recycling bin *to reuse* old paper).

Reusing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Reusing is a sustainable practice.

  Reusing is a sustainable practice.

  • "*Reusing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sustainable practice).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy reusing old clothes for DIY projects.

  I enjoy reusing old clothes for DIY projects.

  • "*Reusing* old clothes for DIY projects" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reusing* old clothes for DIY projects).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for reusing household items.

  She has a talent for reusing household items.

  • "For *reusing* household items" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *reusing* household items).

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 reuse all the materials for their project.

I hope to reuse this packaging for another purpose.

He wants to reuse these items instead of buying new ones.

We decided to reuse the furniture in our new office.

They agreed to reuse the materials for the construction.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys reusing materials to create unique artworks.

Experts recommend reusing water bottles to reduce plastic waste.

I dislike the idea of reusing dirty containers.

They avoid reusing single-use plastics.

Can you imagine yourself reusing items instead of throwing them away?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to reuse old newspapers for wrapping gifts. I like reusing old newspapers for wrapping gifts.

They started to reuse glass jars for storing food. They started reusing glass jars for storing food.

We began to reuse plastic bags to reduce waste. We began reusing plastic bags to reduce waste.