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To Pet vs Petting 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 pet (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to pet the cute puppy.

Petting (Gerund)

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

Example

Petting animals can be therapeutic.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pet (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pet animals is a rewarding experience.

    To pet animals is a rewarding experience.

    • "*To pet* animals" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a rewarding experience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to pet her cat.

    She wants me to pet her cat.

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

    I need a soft blanket to pet while watching TV.

    I need a soft blanket to pet while watching TV.

    • "*To pet* while watching TV" modifies the noun "blanket."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft blanket *to pet* while watching TV).

Petting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Petting dogs and cats can reduce stress.

    Petting dogs and cats can reduce stress.

    • "*Petting* dogs and cats" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (reduce stress).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy petting my pet bunny.

    I enjoy petting my pet bunny.

    • "*Petting* my pet bunny" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*petting* my pet bunny).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for petting wild animals.

    She has a talent for petting wild animals.

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

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

They hope to pet the dolphins at the aquarium.

He wants to pet the friendly dog.

We chose to pet the fluffy rabbits at the petting zoo.

She decided to pet the stray cat she found.

They agreed to pet the horses at the farm.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys petting cats and dogs at the animal shelter.

They recommend petting therapy for relaxation.

I avoid petting snakes at the reptile exhibit.

Can you imagine yourself petting a tiger?

We are considering petting a pet pig.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pet her pet guinea pig. She likes petting her pet guinea pig.

We started to pet stray cats in our neighborhood. We started petting stray cats in our neighborhood.

He began to pet the baby chicks at the farm. He began petting the baby chicks at the farm.

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