To Uncoif vs Uncoiffing 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 uncoif (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to uncoif my hair for the party.

Uncoiffing (Gerund)

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

Example

Uncoiffing can be time-consuming.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To uncoif (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To uncoif is a bold hairstyle choice.

  To uncoif is a bold hairstyle choice.

  • "*To uncoif*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a bold hairstyle choice).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to uncoif her hair.

  She wants me to uncoif her hair.

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

  I need a comb to uncoif my hair.

  I need a comb to uncoif my hair.

  • "*To uncoif* my hair" modifies the noun "comb."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comb *to uncoif* my hair).

Uncoiffing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Uncoiffing requires patience and skill.

  Uncoiffing requires patience and skill.

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

  I enjoy uncoiffing my hair before bed.

  I enjoy uncoiffing my hair before bed.

  • "*Uncoiffing* my hair before bed" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*uncoiffing* my hair before bed).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for uncoiffing hair.

  She has a talent for uncoiffing hair.

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

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

• refuse
• demand
• wish
• pretend
• choose

Example

They refuse to uncoif their hair for the event.

He demands me to uncoif my hair before the performance.

We wish to uncoif our hair and try a new style.

She pretends to uncoif her hair to shock her friends.

I choose to uncoif my hair for a more natural look.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• mind
• consider
• avoid

Example

He enjoys uncoiffing his hair in front of the mirror.

They recommend uncoiffing hair gently to avoid damage.

I don't mind uncoiffing my hair for a different look.

She considers uncoiffing her hair as a form of self-expression.

He avoids uncoiffing his hair in the morning rush.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to uncoif her hair before going to bed. She likes uncoiffing her hair before going to bed.

We started to uncoif our hair for special occasions. We started uncoiffing our hair for special occasions.

He began to uncoif his hair to experiment with new styles. He began uncoiffing his hair to experiment with new styles.