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To Embolize vs Embolizing 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 embolize (Infinitive)

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

Example

The doctor decided to embolize the blood vessel to stop the bleeding.

Embolizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Embolizing the blood vessel can effectively stop the bleeding.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To embolize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To embolize is a common medical procedure for treating certain conditions.

    To embolize is a common medical procedure for treating certain conditions.

    • "*To embolize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common medical procedure for treating certain conditions).
  • 2Object

    She wants the doctor to embolize the artery.

    She wants the doctor to embolize the artery.

    • "The doctor *to embolize* the artery" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (the doctor *to embolize* the artery).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a catheter to embolize the blood clot.

    He needs a catheter to embolize the blood clot.

    • "*To embolize* the blood clot" modifies the noun "catheter."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a catheter *to embolize* the blood clot).

Embolizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Embolizing is a minimally invasive treatment option for certain conditions.

    Embolizing is a minimally invasive treatment option for certain conditions.

    • "*Embolizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a minimally invasive treatment option for certain conditions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy embolizing the arteries.

    I enjoy embolizing the arteries.

    • "*Embolizing* the arteries" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*embolizing* the arteries).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has experience in embolizing blood vessels.

    She has experience in embolizing blood vessels.

    • "In *embolizing* blood vessels" is the object of the preposition "in."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (experience in *embolizing* blood vessels).

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

The specialist recommended to embolize the tumor.

They want the surgeon to embolize the aneurysm.

We decided to embolize the varicose veins.

The doctors attempted to embolize the ruptured blood vessel.

She plans to embolize the uterine fibroids next week.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids embolizing large blood vessels.

They recommend considering embolizing the aneurysm.

Do you mind embolizing the vein for the procedure?

She delayed embolizing the tumor until further tests were done.

Can you imagine yourself embolizing the blood vessel?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

The surgeon likes to embolize the aneurysm. The surgeon likes embolizing the aneurysm.

He began to embolize blood vessels during his residency. He began embolizing blood vessels during his residency.

They continue to embolize tumors as a primary treatment option. They continue embolizing tumors as a primary treatment option.

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