To Ravel vs Raveling 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 ravel (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ravel the yarn to create a fringe.

Raveling (Gerund)

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

Example

Raveling can be a frustrating experience when knitting.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ravel (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To ravel is a common technique in knitting.

  To ravel is a common technique in knitting.

  • "*To ravel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common technique in knitting).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to ravel the edges of the fabric.

  She wants me to ravel the edges of the fabric.

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

  I need a needle to ravel the stitches.

  I need a needle to ravel the stitches.

  • "*To ravel* the stitches" modifies the noun "needle."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a needle *to ravel* the stitches).

Raveling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Raveling is a common issue in knitting.

  Raveling is a common issue in knitting.

  • "*Raveling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common issue in knitting).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy raveling the yarn to create a textured effect.

  I enjoy raveling the yarn to create a textured effect.

  • "*Raveling* the yarn to create a textured effect" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*raveling* the yarn to create a textured effect).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for raveling different types of fabric.

  She has a passion for raveling different types of fabric.

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

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 ravel the ends of the scarf tomorrow.

They hope to ravel the fabric into a beautiful design.

He wants to ravel the edges of the rug.

We decided to ravel the hem of the dress.

They agreed to ravel the seams together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys raveling the edges of the scarf for a neat finish.

They recommend practicing raveling techniques for better knitting results.

I dislike the process of raveling the yarn when it gets tangled.

He avoids raveling delicate fabrics to prevent damage.

Can you imagine yourself raveling intricate lace patterns?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to ravel the edges of her projects. She likes raveling the edges of her projects.

We started to ravel the seams of the garment. We started raveling the seams of the garment.

He began to ravel the yarn to fix a mistake. He began raveling the yarn to fix a mistake.