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To Revel vs Revelling 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 revel (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to revel in the joy of success.

Revelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Revelling is a great way to let loose and have fun.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To revel (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To revel is a great way to celebrate.

    To revel is a great way to celebrate.

    • "*To revel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to celebrate).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to revel in her achievements.

    She wants me to revel in her achievements.

    • "Me *to revel* in her achievements" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to revel* in her achievements).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reason to revel tonight.

    I need a reason to revel tonight.

    • "*To revel* tonight" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to revel* tonight).

Revelling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Revelling can sometimes get out of hand.

    Revelling can sometimes get out of hand.

    • "*Revelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + adverb (sometimes) + verb phrase (get out of hand).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy revelling with my friends on weekends.

    I enjoy revelling with my friends on weekends.

    • "*Revelling* with my friends on weekends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*revelling* with my friends on weekends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for revelling in the excitement of life.

    She has a passion for revelling in the excitement of life.

    • "For *revelling* in the excitement of life" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *revelling* in the excitement of life).

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 revel in the festivities tomorrow.

They hope to revel in the success of their project.

He wants to revel in the beauty of nature.

We decided to revel in the freedom of the weekend.

They agreed to revel in the happiness of their reunion.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys revelling in the music at concerts.

They recommend revelling in the beauty of nature for relaxation.

I dislike the idea of revelling in excessive indulgence.

He avoids revelling in unhealthy behaviors.

Can you imagine yourself revelling in the atmosphere of a carnival?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to revel in the joy of accomplishment. She likes revelling in the joy of accomplishment.

We started to revel in the festivities early. We started revelling in the festivities early.

He began to revel in the success of his business. He began revelling in the success of his business.

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