Help center

To Internalize vs Internalizing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 internalize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to internalize the knowledge to apply it in real-life situations.

Internalizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Internalizing information helps in long-term retention.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To internalize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To internalize is crucial for deep understanding.

    To internalize is crucial for deep understanding.

    • "*To internalize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for deep understanding).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to internalize the concepts before the exam.

    She wants me to internalize the concepts before the exam.

    • "Me *to internalize* the concepts before the exam" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to internalize* the concepts before the exam).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a quiet environment to internalize the information.

    I need a quiet environment to internalize the information.

    • "*To internalize* the information" modifies the noun "environment."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet environment *to internalize* the information).

Internalizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Internalizing is a key aspect of learning.

    Internalizing is a key aspect of learning.

    • "*Internalizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key aspect of learning).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy internalizing complex concepts.

    I enjoy internalizing complex concepts.

    • "*Internalizing* complex concepts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*internalizing* complex concepts).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for internalizing new ideas.

    He has a passion for internalizing new ideas.

    • "For *internalizing* new ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *internalizing* new ideas).

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

He plans to internalize the new skills over the next few months.

They hope to internalize the values of teamwork and collaboration.

She wants to internalize the lessons from her past experiences.

We decided to internalize the feedback and make necessary improvements.

They agreed to internalize the principles of effective communication.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys internalizing different perspectives on a topic.

They recommend regular internalizing of information for better understanding.

I dislike the idea of internalizing outdated knowledge.

He avoids internalizing negative thoughts and emotions.

Can you imagine yourself internalizing complex theories with ease?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to internalize new concepts quickly. I like internalizing new concepts quickly.

She started to internalize the information from an early age. She started internalizing the information from an early age.

We began to internalize the importance of continuous learning. We began internalizing the importance of continuous learning.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!