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To Emphasize vs Emphasizing 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 emphasize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to emphasize the importance of teamwork in this project.

Emphasizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Emphasizing the importance of punctuality is essential in a professional setting.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To emphasize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To emphasize is crucial for effective communication.

    To emphasize is crucial for effective communication.

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

    She wants me to emphasize the key points during the presentation.

    She wants me to emphasize the key points during the presentation.

    • "Me *to emphasize* the key points during the presentation" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to emphasize* the key points during the presentation).
  • 3Adverb Modifier

    He needs to speak loudly to emphasize his point.

    He needs to speak loudly to emphasize his point.

    • "To speak loudly *to emphasize* his point" modifies the verb "needs."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + infinitive phrase (to speak loudly *to emphasize* his point).

Emphasizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Emphasizing clear communication is crucial for a successful project.

    Emphasizing clear communication is crucial for a successful project.

    • "*Emphasizing* clear communication" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + adjective (crucial).
  • 2Object

    They appreciate me emphasizing the need for quality control.

    They appreciate me emphasizing the need for quality control.

    • "Me *emphasizing* the need for quality control" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
    • Noun (They) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (me *emphasizing* the need for quality control).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for emphasizing the strengths of his team members.

    He has a talent for emphasizing the strengths of his team members.

    • "For *emphasizing* the strengths of his team members" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *emphasizing* the strengths of his team members).

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 agreed to emphasize the importance of punctuality.

I hope to emphasize the need for innovation in my presentation.

We want to emphasize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

He decided to emphasize the significance of environmental conservation.

She chose to emphasize the value of teamwork in her speech.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

I recommend emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.

They avoid emphasizing negative aspects in their marketing campaigns.

She is considering emphasizing customer satisfaction in her business strategy.

He doesn't mind emphasizing the benefits of renewable energy sources.

Can you imagine emphasizing the impact of climate change on future generations?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to emphasize the value of continuous learning. I like emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

They started to emphasize the need for gender equality. They started emphasizing the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We began to emphasize the significance of time management. We began emphasizing the importance of effective communication.

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