To Initialize vs Initializing 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 initialize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to initialize the system before using it.

Initializing (Gerund)

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

Example

Initializing the device takes only a few minutes.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To initialize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To initialize is an important step in setting up the software.

  To initialize is an important step in setting up the software.

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

  She wants me to initialize the device for her.

  She wants me to initialize the device for her.

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

  I need a password to initialize the system.

  I need a password to initialize the system.

  • "*To initialize* the system" modifies the noun "password."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a password *to initialize* the system).

Initializing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Initializing is a crucial part of the setup process.

  Initializing is a crucial part of the setup process.

  • "*Initializing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial part of the setup process).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy initializing new gadgets.

  I enjoy initializing new gadgets.

  • "*Initializing* new gadgets" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*initializing* new gadgets).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a knack for initializing complex systems.

  He has a knack for initializing complex systems.

  • "For *initializing* complex systems" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *initializing* complex systems).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

He plans to initialize the project next week.

They hope to initialize the new software soon.

We want you to initialize the program for us.

She decided to initialize the settings herself.

They agreed to initialize the database together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys initializing software applications.

They recommend regular initializing for optimal performance.

I dislike the process of initializing new devices.

He avoids initializing unfamiliar systems.

Can you imagine yourself initializing a large network?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to initialize the program. She likes initializing new devices.

We started to initialize the project. We started initializing the system.

He began to initialize the application. He began initializing the software.