To Cut vs Cutting 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 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 shorter for a new look.

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 hair requires precision and skill.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cut (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To cut is a necessary skill for a chef.

  To cut is a necessary skill for a chef.

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

  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).
• 3. Adjective 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)

• 1. Subject

  Cutting paper with scissors can be a fun activity.

  Cutting paper with scissors can be a fun activity.

  • "*Cutting* paper with scissors" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a fun activity).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy cutting fruits into artistic shapes.

  I enjoy cutting fruits into artistic shapes.

  • "*Cutting* fruits into artistic shapes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*cutting* fruits into artistic shapes).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for cutting fabric and creating beautiful designs.

  She has a passion for cutting fabric and creating beautiful designs.

  • "For *cutting* fabric and creating beautiful designs" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *cutting* fabric and creating beautiful designs).

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

She plans to cut her hair short next week.

They hope to cut down on expenses this year.

He wants to cut the cake for the party.

We decided to cut our vacation short and return home early.

They agreed to cut their losses and sell the business.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys cutting hair and styling it.

They recommend using proper techniques when cutting vegetables.

I dislike the idea of cutting my own hair.

He avoids cutting himself while shaving.

Can you imagine yourself cutting through a thick rope?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

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

We started to cut our own firewood. We started cutting our own firewood.

He began to cut the fabric for his sewing project. He began cutting the fabric for his sewing project.