To Swage vs Swaging 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 swage (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to swage the metal to create a smooth surface.

Swaging (Gerund)

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

Example

Swaging is a metalworking process that involves shaping metal using pressure.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To swage (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To swage is a common technique used in metalworking.

  To swage is a common technique used in metalworking.

  • "*To swage*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a common technique used in metalworking).
• 2. Object

  He wants me to swage the edges of the metal piece.

  He wants me to swage the edges of the metal piece.

  • "Me *to swage* the edges of the metal piece" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to swage* the edges of the metal piece).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a special tool to swage the pipes.

  We need a special tool to swage the pipes.

  • "*To swage* the pipes" modifies the noun "tool."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a special tool *to swage* the pipes).

Swaging (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Swaging is commonly used in the manufacturing industry.

  Swaging is commonly used in the manufacturing industry.

  • "*Swaging*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adverb phrase (commonly used in the manufacturing industry).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy swaging the metal to create intricate designs.

  I enjoy swaging the metal to create intricate designs.

  • "*Swaging* the metal to create intricate designs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*swaging* the metal to create intricate designs).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for swaging various types of metals.

  She has a talent for swaging various types of metals.

  • "For *swaging* various types of metals" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *swaging* various types of metals).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to swage the metal tomorrow.

They hope to swage the metal into the desired shape.

He wants to swage the metal for better durability.

We decided to swage the metal for a seamless finish.

They agreed to swage the metal joints together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys swaging metal rods to form decorative patterns.

They recommend using swaging techniques for joining metal parts.

I dislike the process of swaging due to its complexity.

He avoids swaging delicate metals to prevent damage.

Can you imagine yourself swaging large metal components?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to swage metal sheets for artistic purposes. She likes swaging metal sheets for artistic purposes.

We started to swage metal tubes for plumbing projects. We started swaging metal tubes for plumbing projects.

He began to swage the metal bars with precision. He began swaging the metal bars with precision.