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To Scissor vs Scissoring 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 scissor (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to scissor the paper to create a unique design.

Scissoring (Gerund)

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

Example

Scissoring is a technique used in various crafts and art forms.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To scissor (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To scissor is a creative way to make art.

    To scissor is a creative way to make art.

    • "*To scissor*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a creative way to make art).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to scissor the fabric for her sewing project.

    She wants me to scissor the fabric for her sewing project.

    • "Me *to scissor* the fabric for her sewing project" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to scissor* the fabric for her sewing project).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a pair of scissors to scissor the paper.

    I need a pair of scissors to scissor the paper.

    • "*To scissor* the paper" modifies the noun "pair of scissors."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pair of scissors *to scissor* the paper).

Scissoring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Scissoring requires precision and skill.

    Scissoring requires precision and skill.

    • "*Scissoring*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (precision and skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy scissoring the fabric for my quilting projects.

    I enjoy scissoring the fabric for my quilting projects.

    • "*Scissoring* the fabric for my quilting projects" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*scissoring* the fabric for my quilting projects).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for scissoring intricate patterns.

    She has a passion for scissoring intricate patterns.

    • "For *scissoring* intricate patterns" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *scissoring* intricate patterns).

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

She plans to scissor the construction paper into shapes for her art project.

They hope to scissor the ribbon for their gift wrapping.

He wants to scissor the cardboard for his DIY project.

We decided to scissor the fabric for our sewing project.

They agreed to scissor the magazine clippings for their collage.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys scissoring the paper to create beautiful designs.

They recommend regular scissoring for improving hand-eye coordination.

I dislike the idea of scissoring delicate materials.

He avoids scissoring thick fabrics that are hard to cut.

Can you imagine yourself scissoring intricate lace?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to scissor the paper to make origami creations. She likes scissoring the paper to create unique designs.

We started to scissor the fabric for our sewing projects. We started scissoring the fabric for our sewing projects.

He began to scissor the construction paper for his art project. He began scissoring the construction paper for his art project.

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