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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 comfortable shoes is important for foot health.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wear (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To wear casual clothes is more comfortable for me.

    To wear casual clothes is more comfortable for me.

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

    She wants me to wear her necklace.

    She wants me to wear her necklace.

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

    I need a hat to wear on sunny days.

    I need a hat to wear on sunny days.

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

Wearing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Wearing a mask is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases.

    Wearing a mask is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases.

    • "*Wearing* a mask" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (necessary to prevent the spread of diseases).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy wearing colorful socks.

    I enjoy wearing colorful socks.

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

    She has a passion for wearing unique accessories.

    She has a passion for wearing unique accessories.

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

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 chose to wear a black dress to the event.

He refused to wear a tie to the wedding.

They pretended to wear disguises at the costume party.

We managed to wear matching outfits for the family photo.

The coach demanded to wear team uniforms during the game.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys wearing fashionable clothes to parties.

They recommend wearing sunscreen for protection against the sun.

He avoids wearing tight shoes for comfort.

Can you imagine yourself wearing a crown and being a queen?

I don't mind wearing a uniform for work.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to wear high heels to formal events. She likes wearing high heels to formal events.

We started to wear face masks during the pandemic. We started wearing face masks during the pandemic.

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

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