To Generalize vs Generalizing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To generalize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I tend to generalize when I'm trying to understand complex situations.

Generalizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Generalizing can lead to misconceptions and stereotypes.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To generalize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To generalize is not always accurate.

  To generalize is not always accurate.

  • "*To generalize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adverb (not) + adjective (always) + adjective (accurate).
• 2. Object

  She expects me to generalize based on limited information.

  She expects me to generalize based on limited information.

  • "Me *to generalize* based on limited information" is the object of the verb "expects."
  • Noun (She) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (me *to generalize*) + prepositional phrase (based on limited information).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I have a tendency to generalize in stressful situations.

  I have a tendency to generalize in stressful situations.

  • "*To generalize* in stressful situations" modifies the noun "tendency."
  • Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a tendency *to generalize*) + prepositional phrase (in stressful situations).

Generalizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Generalizing is a common cognitive process.

  Generalizing is a common cognitive process.

  • "*Generalizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (a common cognitive process).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy generalizing about human behavior.

  I enjoy generalizing about human behavior.

  • "*Generalizing* about human behavior" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*generalizing*) + prepositional phrase (about human behavior).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for generalizing from specific examples.

  She has a talent for generalizing from specific examples.

  • "For *generalizing* from specific examples" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *generalizing*) + prepositional phrase (from specific examples).

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

• decide
• struggle
• manage
• demand
• wish

Example

We decided to generalize our findings for simplicity.

They struggle to generalize their research findings.

He managed to generalize the data for easier analysis.

The professor demanded to generalize the conclusions in the research paper.

I wish to generalize my knowledge in this field.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• resist

Example

He avoids generalizing based on limited evidence.

They consider generalizing to be an oversimplification.

I recommend generalizing cautiously to avoid stereotypes.

Do you mind generalizing about different cultures?

She resists generalizing without thorough analysis.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I like to generalize in order to draw conclusions. I like generalizing in order to draw conclusions.

We began to generalize after collecting sufficient data. We began generalizing after collecting sufficient data.

He continues to generalize despite the limitations. He continues generalizing despite the limitations.