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To Analyze vs Analyzing 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 analyze (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to analyze the data to find patterns and trends.

Analyzing (Gerund)

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

Example

Analyzing the data helps us make informed decisions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To analyze (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To analyze is an essential skill in research.

    To analyze is an essential skill in research.

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

    She wants me to analyze the report.

    She wants me to analyze the report.

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

    We need a software to analyze the data.

    We need a software to analyze the data.

    • "*To analyze* the data" modifies the noun "software."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a software *to analyze* the data).

Analyzing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Analyzing the data is a crucial step in the research process.

    Analyzing the data is a crucial step in the research process.

    • "*Analyzing* the data" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial step in the research process).
  • 2Object

    We enjoy analyzing complex problems.

    We enjoy analyzing complex problems.

    • "*Analyzing* complex problems" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (We) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*analyzing* complex problems).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for analyzing market trends.

    He has a talent for analyzing market trends.

    • "For *analyzing* market trends" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *analyzing* market trends).

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 plans to analyze the samples next week.

We decided to analyze the results ourselves.

They refused to analyze the faulty products.

I wish to analyze the market trends more thoroughly.

The client demanded us to analyze the financial statements.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys analyzing data to identify patterns.

Experts recommend analyzing customer feedback for business improvement.

They avoid analyzing sensitive topics in their research.

We are considering analyzing the impact of social media on consumer behavior.

Let's discuss the benefits of analyzing big data.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to analyze complex problems. I like analyzing complex problems.

They started to analyze the data sets. They started analyzing the data sets.

He began to analyze the financial reports. He began analyzing the financial reports.

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