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To Knifed vs Knifing 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 knifed (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to knifed the cake for the party.

Knifing (Gerund)

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

Example

Knifing the paper requires precision and skill.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To knifed (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To knifed is not a proper verb form.

    To knifed is not a proper verb form.

    • "*To knifed*" is not a valid infinitive form.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (not a proper verb form).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to knifed the fruit.

    She wants me to knifed the fruit.

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

    I need a sharp knife to knifed the meat.

    I need a sharp knife to knifed the meat.

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

Knifing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Knifing is an art form in crafting.

    Knifing is an art form in crafting.

    • "*Knifing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an art form in crafting).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy knifing fruits and vegetables.

    I enjoy knifing fruits and vegetables.

    • "*Knifing* fruits and vegetables" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*knifing* fruits and vegetables).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for knifing.

    She has a passion for knifing.

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

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 knifed the bread tomorrow.

They hope to knifed the vegetables into small pieces.

He wants to knifed the steak into thin slices.

We decided to knifed the cheese for the recipe.

They agreed to knifed the cake together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys knifing wood sculptures.

They recommend practicing knifing techniques regularly.

I dislike the idea of knifing fragile materials.

He avoids knifing himself while cooking.

Can you imagine yourself knifing through thick fabric?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to knifed the dough. She likes knifing the dough.

We started to knifed the clay sculptures. We started knifing the clay sculptures.

He began to knifed the cardboard. He began knifing the cardboard.

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