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 want to initialize the project before we start.

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 database can take some time.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To initialize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To initialize is an important step in the process.

  To initialize is an important step in the process.

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

  She wants me to initialize the system.

  She wants me to initialize the system.

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

  We need a qualified person to initialize the software.

  We need a qualified person to initialize the software.

  • "*To initialize* the software" modifies the noun "person."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a qualified person *to initialize* the software).

Initializing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Initializing is a crucial step in the setup process.

  Initializing is a crucial step in the setup process.

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

  I enjoy initializing new projects.

  I enjoy initializing new projects.

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

  They have experience in initializing complex systems.

  They have experience in initializing complex systems.

  • "In *initializing* complex systems" is the object of the preposition "in."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (experience in *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
• decide
• attempt
• refuse
• manage

Example

They plan to initialize the project next week.

He decided to initialize the program himself.

We attempted to initialize the device but encountered an error.

She refused to initialize the application without proper authorization.

They managed to initialize the system successfully.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• mind
• practice

Example

Experts recommend initializing the software before use.

It's best to avoid initializing the device without proper instructions.

We are considering initializing a new project next month.

I don't mind initializing the system for you.

They regularly practice initializing different programs.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• start

Example

She likes to initialize projects from scratch. She likes initializing projects from scratch.

We began to initialize the software installation. We began initializing the software installation.

He started to initialize the device configuration. He started initializing the device configuration.