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To Wipe vs Wiping 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 wipe (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to wipe the table clean.

Wiping (Gerund)

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

Example

Wiping the windows is a tedious task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wipe (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To wipe is an essential step in cleaning.

    To wipe is an essential step in cleaning.

    • "*To wipe*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential step in cleaning).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to wipe the windows.

    She wants me to wipe the windows.

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

    I need a cloth to wipe the counter.

    I need a cloth to wipe the counter.

    • "*To wipe* the counter" modifies the noun "cloth."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cloth *to wipe* the counter).

Wiping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Wiping the counter is necessary to maintain hygiene.

    Wiping the counter is necessary to maintain hygiene.

    • "*Wiping* the counter" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary to maintain hygiene).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy wiping the surfaces with disinfectant.

    I enjoy wiping the surfaces with disinfectant.

    • "*Wiping* the surfaces with disinfectant" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wiping* the surfaces with disinfectant).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of wiping her hands on her pants.

    She has a habit of wiping her hands on her pants.

    • "Of *wiping* her hands on her pants" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *wiping* her hands on her pants).

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 wipe the dishes after dinner.

They hope to wipe the floors before the guests arrive.

He wants to wipe the car windows.

We decided to wipe the mirrors in the bathroom.

They agreed to wipe the tables together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys wiping the kitchen countertops every day.

They recommend using a microfiber cloth for wiping surfaces.

I dislike the idea of wiping the floor with a dirty mop.

He avoids wiping his glasses with rough fabric.

Can you imagine yourself wiping the dust off the shelves?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to wipe the table after meals. She likes wiping the table after meals.

We started to wipe the windows regularly. We started wiping the windows regularly.

He began to wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth. He began wiping the surfaces with a damp cloth.

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