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To Saw vs Sawing 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 saw (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to saw the wood to make a table.

Sawing (Gerund)

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

Example

Sawing requires concentration and precision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To saw (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To saw is a useful skill for carpentry.

    To saw is a useful skill for carpentry.

    • "*To saw*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a useful skill for carpentry).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to saw the logs for the fire.

    He wants me to saw the logs for the fire.

    • "Me *to saw* the logs for the fire" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to saw* the logs for the fire).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a saw to saw through the thick branches.

    We need a saw to saw through the thick branches.

    • "*To saw* through the thick branches" modifies the noun "saw."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a saw *to saw* through the thick branches).

Sawing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sawing is an essential part of woodworking.

    Sawing is an essential part of woodworking.

    • "*Sawing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of woodworking).
  • 2Object

    We enjoy sawing the logs for our fireplace.

    We enjoy sawing the logs for our fireplace.

    • "*Sawing* the logs for our fireplace" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (We) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sawing* the logs for our fireplace).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for sawing.

    He has a talent for sawing.

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

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 plan to saw the boards for the project tomorrow.

I hope to saw the wood smoothly without any mistakes.

She wants to saw the logs into smaller pieces.

He decided to saw the tree trunk into planks.

We agreed to saw the lumber together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy sawing their own furniture.

Experts recommend using safety goggles when sawing.

She dislikes the noise produced while sawing.

He avoids sawing hardwood because it's more challenging.

Can you imagine yourself sawing intricate designs?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to saw with a hand saw. I like sawing with a hand saw.

They started to saw the wood for their DIY project. They started sawing the wood for their DIY project.

We began to saw the planks for the flooring. We began sawing the planks for the flooring.

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