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 starting.

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 project is a crucial step.

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 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 computer to initialize the program.

  We need a computer to initialize the program.

  • "*To initialize* the program" modifies the noun "computer."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a computer *to initialize* the program).

Initializing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Initializing is necessary for the proper functioning of the software.

  Initializing is necessary for the proper functioning of the software.

  • "*Initializing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary for the proper functioning of the software).
• 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

  She has a talent for initializing complex systems.

  She has a talent for initializing complex systems.

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

They plan to initialize the database tomorrow.

I hope to initialize the new equipment soon.

He wants to initialize the settings before using the device.

We decided to initialize the system on Monday.

They agreed to initialize the software together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys initializing the software applications.

They recommend regularly initializing the database for optimal performance.

I dislike the process of initializing large datasets.

We avoid initializing the system during peak hours.

Can you imagine yourself initializing a complex project within a short timeframe?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to initialize the software before using it. I like initializing new projects.

They started to initialize the program from scratch. They started initializing the system immediately.

He began to initialize the application after installation. He began initializing the project without any delays.