To Overstuff vs Overstuffing 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 overstuff (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to overstuff my suitcase because it won't close.

Overstuffing (Gerund)

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

Example

Overstuffing can cause damage to the bag.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overstuff (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To overstuff is not a good idea for your health.

  To overstuff is not a good idea for your health.

  • "*To overstuff*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a good idea for your health).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to overstuff the bag with clothes.

  She wants me to overstuff the bag with clothes.

  • "Me *to overstuff* the bag with clothes" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to overstuff* the bag with clothes).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a bigger bag to overstuff all my belongings.

  I need a bigger bag to overstuff all my belongings.

  • "*To overstuff* all my belongings" modifies the noun "bag."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bigger bag *to overstuff* all my belongings).

Overstuffing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Overstuffing is not recommended when packing for a trip.

  Overstuffing is not recommended when packing for a trip.

  • "*Overstuffing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not recommended when packing for a trip).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy overstuffing my sandwiches with extra toppings.

  I enjoy overstuffing my sandwiches with extra toppings.

  • "*Overstuffing* my sandwiches with extra toppings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*overstuffing* my sandwiches with extra toppings).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a habit of overstuffing his closet.

  He has a habit of overstuffing his closet.

  • "Of *overstuffing* his closet" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *overstuffing* his closet).

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

• decide
• demand
• refuse
• wish
• attempt

Example

We decided to overstuff the box to fit everything inside.

He demands me to overstuff the envelope with documents.

They refuse to overstuff the car with unnecessary items.

I wish to overstuff the drawer with more clothes.

She attempted to overstuff the bag, but it burst open.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• resist

Example

She avoids overstuffing her schedule with too many tasks.

They are considering overstuffing the box for extra protection.

I recommend against overstuffing the bag to prevent damage.

Do you mind overstuffing the container with more supplies?

He resisted overstuffing his plate with unhealthy food.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to overstuff her backpack with books. She likes overstuffing her backpack with books.

We began to overstuff the suitcase with souvenirs. We began overstuffing the suitcase with souvenirs.

He continues to overstuff his wallet with receipts. He continues overstuffing his wallet with receipts.