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To Wear vs Wearing Infinitives & Gerunds

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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 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 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 a mask is important for safety.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wear (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To wear casual clothes is more comfortable.

    To wear casual clothes is more comfortable.

    • "*To wear* casual clothes" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (more comfortable).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to wear a suit to the wedding.

    She wants me to wear a suit to the wedding.

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

    I need a hat to wear in the sun.

    I need a hat to wear in the sun.

    • "*To wear* in the sun" modifies the noun "hat."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a hat *to wear* in the sun).

Wearing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun.

    Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun.

    • "*Wearing* sunglasses" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (protects) + noun phrase (your eyes from the sun).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy wearing comfortable clothes.

    I enjoy wearing comfortable clothes.

    • "*Wearing* comfortable clothes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wearing* comfortable clothes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a preference for wearing dresses.

    She has a preference for wearing dresses.

    • "For *wearing* dresses" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *wearing* dresses).

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 wear a new outfit for the event.

They hope to wear matching costumes for Halloween.

He wants to wear sneakers instead of formal shoes.

We decided to wear our team jerseys for the game.

They agreed to wear black dresses to the party.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys wearing stylish accessories with her outfits.

They recommend wearing sunscreen for protection against UV rays.

I dislike the feeling of wearing tight shoes.

He avoids wearing heavy coats in warm weather.

Can you imagine yourself wearing a fancy gown at the ball?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to wear bright colors. She likes wearing bright colors.

We started to wear uniforms for work. We started wearing uniforms for work.

He began to wear glasses for better vision. He began wearing glasses for better vision.

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