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To Cut vs Cutting 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 cut (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to cut my hair short.

Cutting (Gerund)

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

Example

Cutting paper with scissors requires precision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cut (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To cut is a useful skill to have.

    To cut is a useful skill to have.

    • "*To cut*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a useful skill to have).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to cut her hair.

    She wants me to cut her hair.

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

    I need a sharp knife to cut the vegetables.

    I need a sharp knife to cut the vegetables.

    • "*To cut* the vegetables" modifies the noun "knife."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sharp knife *to cut* the vegetables).

Cutting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Cutting is an essential part of woodworking.

    Cutting is an essential part of woodworking.

    • "*Cutting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of woodworking).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy cutting fruits for a healthy snack.

    I enjoy cutting fruits for a healthy snack.

    • "*Cutting* fruits for a healthy snack" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*cutting* fruits for a healthy snack).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for cutting hair.

    She has a talent for cutting hair.

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

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 cut her hair tomorrow.

They hope to cut down on expenses next month.

He wants to cut the cake into equal pieces.

We decided to cut the trip short and return home.

They agreed to cut the budget by 10%.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys cutting fabric to create beautiful designs.

They recommend wearing gloves while cutting onions.

I dislike the sound of cutting nails.

He avoids cutting himself while shaving.

Can you imagine yourself cutting through thick ropes?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to cut her own hair. She likes cutting her own hair.

We started to cut the grass in the backyard. We started cutting the grass in the backyard.

He began to cut his food into smaller pieces. He began cutting his food into smaller pieces.

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