When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To wear (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to wear" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to wear a new dress to the party.
Wearing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "wearing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Wearing sunglasses is important to protect your eyes from the sun.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To wear (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To wear comfortable shoes is important for long walks.
To wear comfortable shoes is important for long walks.
- "*To wear* comfortable shoes" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for long walks).
- 2Object
She wants me to wear the red hat.
She wants me to wear the red hat.
- "Me *to wear* the red hat" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to wear* the red hat).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a hanger to wear my coat.
I need a hanger to wear my coat.
- "*To wear* my coat" modifies the noun "hanger."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a hanger *to wear* my coat).
Wearing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Wearing sunscreen is crucial to prevent sunburn.
Wearing sunscreen is crucial to prevent sunburn.
- "*Wearing* sunscreen" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial to prevent sunburn).
- 2Object
I enjoy wearing colorful dresses in the summer.
I enjoy wearing colorful dresses in the summer.
- "*Wearing* colorful dresses in the summer" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wearing* colorful dresses in the summer).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a preference for wearing comfortable shoes.
She has a preference for wearing comfortable shoes.
- "For *wearing* comfortable shoes" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *wearing* comfortable shoes).
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
He chose to wear a black suit for the event.
They decided to wear matching outfits for the party.
We are planning to wear costumes for Halloween.
She refused to wear the uncomfortable shoes.
He offered to wear his friend's jacket in case it gets cold.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend wearing a helmet while riding a bike.
He avoids wearing tight clothes that restrict movement.
Do you mind wearing a mask in public places?
We are considering wearing matching t-shirts for the event.
She practices wearing high heels to improve her balance.
