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To Fertilize vs Fertilizing 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 fertilize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fertilize the plants to help them grow.

Fertilizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Fertilizing is essential for healthy plant growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fertilize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fertilize is an important step in gardening.

    To fertilize is an important step in gardening.

    • "*To fertilize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in gardening).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to fertilize her garden.

    She wants me to fertilize her garden.

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

    I need a bag of fertilizer to fertilize my plants.

    I need a bag of fertilizer to fertilize my plants.

    • "*To fertilize* my plants" modifies the noun "bag of fertilizer."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bag of fertilizer *to fertilize* my plants).

Fertilizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Fertilizing promotes strong root development.

    Fertilizing promotes strong root development.

    • "*Fertilizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (promotes) + noun phrase (strong root development).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy fertilizing my garden every spring.

    I enjoy fertilizing my garden every spring.

    • "*Fertilizing* my garden" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fertilizing* my garden).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for fertilizing plants.

    She has a passion for fertilizing plants.

    • "For *fertilizing* plants" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *fertilizing* plants).

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 fertilize her garden next weekend.

They hope to fertilize their crops for a better harvest.

He wants to fertilize the lawn to make it greener.

We decided to fertilize the flowerbeds today.

They agreed to fertilize the fields together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys fertilizing her indoor plants every week.

They recommend regular fertilizing for vibrant flowers.

I dislike the smell of fertilizing the garden.

He avoids fertilizing during rainy days.

Can you imagine yourself fertilizing a large farm?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fertilize her vegetable garden. She likes fertilizing her vegetable garden.

We started to fertilize our plants regularly. We started fertilizing our plants regularly.

He began to fertilize his lawn every month. He began fertilizing his lawn every month.

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