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To Humidify vs Humidifying 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 humidify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to humidify the room to prevent dryness.

Humidifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Humidifying the room can alleviate allergy symptoms.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To humidify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To humidify the air is important for respiratory health.

    To humidify the air is important for respiratory health.

    • "*To humidify* the air" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for respiratory health).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to humidify the plants in the greenhouse.

    She wants me to humidify the plants in the greenhouse.

    • "Me *to humidify* the plants in the greenhouse" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to humidify* the plants in the greenhouse).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a humidifier to humidify the room.

    I need a humidifier to humidify the room.

    • "*To humidify* the room" modifies the noun "humidifier."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a humidifier *to humidify* the room).

Humidifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Humidifying the air improves indoor air quality.

    Humidifying the air improves indoor air quality.

    • "*Humidifying* the air" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (improves) + noun phrase (indoor air quality).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy humidifying my plants every morning.

    I enjoy humidifying my plants every morning.

    • "*Humidifying* my plants every morning" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*humidifying* my plants every morning).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for humidifying her living space.

    She has a passion for humidifying her living space.

    • "For *humidifying* her living space" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *humidifying* her living space).

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 humidify the house before her guests arrive.

They hope to humidify their bedroom for a better sleep.

He wants to humidify the office to reduce static electricity.

We decided to humidify the entire building during the dry season.

They agreed to humidify the warehouse to protect the goods.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys humidifying the room to create a comfortable environment.

They recommend regular humidifying for people with dry skin.

I dislike the process of humidifying the entire house.

He avoids humidifying his workspace to prevent mold growth.

Can you imagine yourself humidifying the plants in a greenhouse?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to humidify her bedroom at night. She likes humidifying her bedroom at night.

We started to humidify the office during the winter months. We started humidifying the office during the winter months.

He began to humidify the basement to prevent moisture issues. He began humidifying the basement to prevent moisture issues.

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