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To Knit vs Knitting 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 knit (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to knit a sweater for my sister.

Knitting (Gerund)

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

Example

Knitting helps me relax after a long day.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To knit (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To knit is a relaxing hobby.

    To knit is a relaxing hobby.

    • "*To knit*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a relaxing hobby).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to knit a scarf for her.

    She wants me to knit a scarf for her.

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

    I need soft yarn to knit a blanket.

    I need soft yarn to knit a blanket.

    • "*To knit* a blanket" modifies the noun "yarn."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (soft yarn *to knit* a blanket).

Knitting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Knitting is a popular pastime.

    Knitting is a popular pastime.

    • "*Knitting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular pastime).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy knitting scarves for my friends.

    I enjoy knitting scarves for my friends.

    • "*Knitting* scarves for my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*knitting* scarves for my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for knitting.

    She has a talent for knitting.

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

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 knit a hat for the winter.

They hope to knit a baby blanket for their friend.

He wants to knit a pair of socks for himself.

We decided to knit a scarf for our teacher.

They agreed to knit a sweater together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys knitting sweaters in her free time.

They recommend knitting as a stress-relieving activity.

I dislike the idea of knitting with thick yarn.

He avoids knitting complicated patterns.

Can you imagine yourself knitting a beautiful scarf?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to knit hats for charity. She likes knitting hats for charity.

We started to knit our own clothes. We started knitting our own clothes.

He began to knit a blanket for his baby. He began knitting a blanket for his baby.

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