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To Accelerate vs Accelerating 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 accelerate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to accelerate my learning process to achieve my goals faster.

Accelerating (Gerund)

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

Example

Accelerating your learning process can help you achieve your goals faster.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To accelerate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To accelerate is essential for winning the race.

    To accelerate is essential for winning the race.

    • "*To accelerate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (essential).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to accelerate the project.

    He wants me to accelerate the project.

    • "Me *to accelerate* the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to accelerate* the project).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    They need a better strategy to accelerate their business growth.

    They need a better strategy to accelerate their business growth.

    • "*To accelerate* their business growth" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a better strategy *to accelerate* their business growth).

Accelerating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Accelerating is key to achieving success.

    Accelerating is key to achieving success.

    • "*Accelerating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (key to achieving success).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy accelerating my progress in the gym.

    I enjoy accelerating my progress in the gym.

    • "*Accelerating* my progress in the gym" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*accelerating* my progress in the gym).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for accelerating innovation in her industry.

    She has a passion for accelerating innovation in her industry.

    • "For *accelerating* innovation in her industry" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *accelerating* innovation in her industry).

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 accelerate her career by taking additional courses.

They hope to accelerate the production process with new technology.

He wants to accelerate his weight loss journey.

We decided to accelerate the timeline for the project.

They agreed to accelerate the negotiations to reach a deal.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys accelerating her learning through immersive experiences.

They recommend accelerating the implementation of the new system.

I dislike the idea of accelerating the decision-making process.

He avoids accelerating conflicts in the workplace.

Can you imagine the impact of accelerating technological advancements?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to accelerate her progress in her career. She likes accelerating her progress in her career.

We started to accelerate our savings for a down payment. We started accelerating our savings for a down payment.

He began to accelerate his training for the marathon. He began accelerating his training for the marathon.

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