Help center

To Sew vs Sewing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 sew (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sew a new dress for the party.

Sewing (Gerund)

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

Example

Sewing is a creative hobby that I enjoy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sew (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sew requires patience and skill.

    To sew requires patience and skill.

    • "*To sew*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and skill).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sew her a quilt.

    She wants me to sew her a quilt.

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

    I need a sewing machine to sew this fabric.

    I need a sewing machine to sew this fabric.

    • "*To sew* this fabric" modifies the noun "sewing machine."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sewing machine *to sew* this fabric).

Sewing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sewing requires practice and precision.

    Sewing requires practice and precision.

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

    I enjoy sewing my own clothes.

    I enjoy sewing my own clothes.

    • "*Sewing* my own clothes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sewing* my own clothes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for sewing quilts.

    She has a passion for sewing quilts.

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

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 sew a dress for the wedding.

They hope to sew their own clothes someday.

He wants to sew a button on his shirt.

We decided to sew curtains for the living room.

They agreed to sew a quilt together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys sewing as a way to relax.

They recommend sewing as a therapeutic activity.

I dislike the idea of sewing my own clothes.

He avoids sewing delicate fabrics.

Can you imagine yourself sewing a wedding dress?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sew her own curtains. She likes sewing her own curtains.

We started to sew our own clothes. We started sewing our own clothes.

He began to sew quilts as a hobby. He began sewing quilts as a hobby.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!