To Shrink vs Shrinking 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 shrink (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to shrink my sweater to fit me better.

Shrinking (Gerund)

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

Example

Shrinking fabrics requires following specific instructions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shrink (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To shrink is a natural process that occurs when clothes are washed in hot water.

  To shrink is a natural process that occurs when clothes are washed in hot water.

  • "*To shrink*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process that occurs when clothes are washed in hot water).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to shrink her jeans.

  She wants me to shrink her jeans.

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

  I need a smaller size to shrink my T-shirt.

  I need a smaller size to shrink my T-shirt.

  • "*To shrink* my T-shirt" modifies the noun "size."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a smaller size *to shrink* my T-shirt).

Shrinking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Shrinking fabrics can be a useful technique for tailoring clothes.

  Shrinking fabrics can be a useful technique for tailoring clothes.

  • "*Shrinking* fabrics" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a useful technique for tailoring clothes).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy shrinking my sweaters to achieve the perfect fit.

  I enjoy shrinking my sweaters to achieve the perfect fit.

  • "*Shrinking* my sweaters" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shrinking* my sweaters).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for shrinking garments.

  He has a talent for shrinking garments.

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

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

• decide
• attempt
• refuse
• wish
• choose

Example

He decided to shrink his old sweater.

They attempted to shrink the fabric using hot water.

She refused to shrink her favorite dress.

We wish to shrink our clothes without damaging them.

I chose to shrink my jeans for a better fit.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• mind
• practice

Example

She avoids shrinking delicate fabrics.

They recommend shrinking cotton fabrics before sewing.

I am considering shrinking my pants to make them shorter.

Do you mind shrinking your sweater to fit me?

He practices shrinking wool fabrics for his designs.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to shrink my clothes for a better fit. I like shrinking my clothes for a better fit.

She started to shrink her sweaters in the dryer. She started shrinking her sweaters in the dryer.

They began to shrink their shirts to make them tighter. They began shrinking their shirts to make them tighter.