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To Review vs Reviewing 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 review (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to review the documents before the meeting.

Reviewing (Gerund)

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

Example

Reviewing the data can help identify trends.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To review (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To review is an important step in the editing process.

    To review is an important step in the editing process.

    • "*To review*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in the editing process).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to review her presentation.

    She wants me to review her presentation.

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

    I need a quiet room to review the study materials.

    I need a quiet room to review the study materials.

    • "*To review* the study materials" modifies the noun "room."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet room *to review* the study materials).

Reviewing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reviewing the report is necessary for making informed decisions.

    Reviewing the report is necessary for making informed decisions.

    • "*Reviewing* the report" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary for making informed decisions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reviewing books in my spare time.

    I enjoy reviewing books in my spare time.

    • "*Reviewing* books in my spare time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reviewing* books in my spare time).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for reviewing movies.

    She has a talent for reviewing movies.

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

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 review the proposal tomorrow.

They hope to review the movie before it is released.

He wants to review the contract before signing it.

We decided to review the budget for next year.

They agreed to review the research findings together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys reviewing art exhibitions.

They recommend reviewing the guidelines before starting the project.

I dislike the idea of reviewing the same material repeatedly.

He avoids reviewing his work in front of others.

Can you imagine yourself reviewing scientific research papers?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to review movies before watching them. She likes reviewing movies before watching them.

We started to review the case study. We started reviewing the case study.

He began to review the new book. He began reviewing the new book.

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