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To Retip vs Retipping 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 retip (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to retip my pencil.

Retipping (Gerund)

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

Example

Retipping a pen can extend its lifespan.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To retip (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To retip a pencil requires precision.

    To retip a pencil requires precision.

    • "*To retip* a pencil" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (precision).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to retip her pen.

    She wants me to retip her pen.

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

    I need a sharpener to retip my pencil.

    I need a sharpener to retip my pencil.

    • "*To retip* my pencil" modifies the noun "sharpener."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sharpener *to retip* my pencil).

Retipping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Retipping pens is a common practice among calligraphers.

    Retipping pens is a common practice among calligraphers.

    • "*Retipping* pens" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice among calligraphers).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy retipping my tools.

    I enjoy retipping my tools.

    • "*Retipping* my tools" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*retipping* my tools).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for retipping pens.

    He has a talent for retipping pens.

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

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

He plans to retip his tools tomorrow.

She wants to retip her paintbrushes for the art project.

They chose to retip their drill bits for better performance.

We decided to retip the saw blade for smoother cuts.

I hope to retip my pen before the meeting.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend regular retipping of saw blades for safety reasons.

I avoid retipping my pens too frequently to prevent damage.

They are considering retipping their tools instead of buying new ones.

Do you mind retipping your pencil for me?

Can you imagine retipping pens as a hobby?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to retip her paintbrushes. She likes retipping her paintbrushes.

He started to retip his tools. He started retipping his tools.

We began to retip our pencils. We began retipping our pencils.

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