When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To finalize (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to finalize" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I need to finalize the project before the deadline.
Finalizing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "finalizing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Finalizing the project took longer than expected.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To finalize (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To finalize the plans, we need everyone's input.
To finalize the plans, we need everyone's input.
- "*To finalize* the plans" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (need) + noun phrase (everyone's input).
- 2Object
She wants me to finalize the agreement.
She wants me to finalize the agreement.
- "Me *to finalize* the agreement" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to finalize* the agreement).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a few more days to finalize the report.
He needs a few more days to finalize the report.
- "*To finalize* the report" modifies the noun "days."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a few more days *to finalize* the report).
Finalizing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Finalizing the report is crucial for our success.
Finalizing the report is crucial for our success.
- "*Finalizing* the report" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for our success).
- 2Object
I enjoy finalizing all the details.
I enjoy finalizing all the details.
- "*Finalizing* all the details" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*finalizing* all the details).
- 3Object of Preposition
They have a knack for finalizing projects on time.
They have a knack for finalizing projects on time.
- "For *finalizing* projects on time" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a knack for *finalizing* projects on time).
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 finalize the details next week.
We hope to finalize the contract soon.
She wants to finalize the decision by tomorrow.
He decided to finalize the design before presenting it.
They agreed to finalize the budget together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys finalizing the plans for the event.
I recommend finalizing the budget before proceeding.
She avoids finalizing any decisions without proper research.
Can you imagine finalizing the project ahead of schedule?
We are considering finalizing the proposal by the end of the week.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to finalize the details as soon as possible. I would like finalizing the project as soon as possible.
They started to finalize the plans for the event. They started finalizing the plans for the event.
He began to finalize the report yesterday. He began finalizing the report yesterday.
