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To Conceptualize vs Conceptualizing 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 conceptualize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to conceptualize my ideas into a tangible product.

Conceptualizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Conceptualizing helps in visualizing complex concepts.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To conceptualize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To conceptualize is an important skill for designers.

    To conceptualize is an important skill for designers.

    • "*To conceptualize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill for designers).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to conceptualize the project.

    She wants me to conceptualize the project.

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

    I need a clear vision to conceptualize the final product.

    I need a clear vision to conceptualize the final product.

    • "*To conceptualize* the final product" modifies the noun "vision."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear vision *to conceptualize* the final product).

Conceptualizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Conceptualizing requires creativity and critical thinking.

    Conceptualizing requires creativity and critical thinking.

    • "*Conceptualizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (creativity and critical thinking).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy conceptualizing innovative solutions.

    I enjoy conceptualizing innovative solutions.

    • "*Conceptualizing* innovative solutions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*conceptualizing* innovative solutions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for conceptualizing complex ideas.

    She has a talent for conceptualizing complex ideas.

    • "For *conceptualizing* complex ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *conceptualizing* complex ideas).

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

They plan to conceptualize their business strategy.

We hope to conceptualize a groundbreaking invention.

He wants to conceptualize new marketing ideas.

I decided to conceptualize a new logo design.

They agreed to conceptualize the architectural plans.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys conceptualizing new projects.

They recommend conceptualizing before starting any creative work.

I dislike the process of conceptualizing abstract concepts.

She avoids conceptualizing during brainstorming sessions.

Can you imagine yourself conceptualizing a masterpiece?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to conceptualize their ideas visually. They like conceptualizing their ideas visually.

We started to conceptualize the project from scratch. We started conceptualizing the project from scratch.

He began to conceptualize the design concept. He began conceptualizing the design concept.

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