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To Liberalize vs Liberalizing 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 liberalize (Infinitive)

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

Example

The government decided to liberalize the economy to attract foreign investment.

Liberalizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Liberalizing the economy can lead to increased competition and economic growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To liberalize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To liberalize is a complex process that requires careful planning and implementation.

    To liberalize is a complex process that requires careful planning and implementation.

    • "*To liberalize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a complex process that requires careful planning and implementation).
  • 2Object

    They want the government to liberalize trade policies.

    They want the government to liberalize trade policies.

    • "The government *to liberalize* trade policies" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the government *to liberalize* trade policies).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a comprehensive plan to liberalize the market.

    We need a comprehensive plan to liberalize the market.

    • "*To liberalize* the market" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comprehensive plan *to liberalize* the market).

Liberalizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Liberalizing trade can benefit both domestic and international businesses.

    Liberalizing trade can benefit both domestic and international businesses.

    • "*Liberalizing* trade" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (both domestic and international businesses).
  • 2Object

    He enjoys liberalizing policies to support social progress.

    He enjoys liberalizing policies to support social progress.

    • "*Liberalizing* policies to support social progress" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*liberalizing* policies to support social progress).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They are discussing the benefits of liberalizing the financial sector.

    They are discussing the benefits of liberalizing the financial sector.

    • "The benefits of *liberalizing* the financial sector" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are discussing) + noun phrase (the benefits of *liberalizing* the financial sector).

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

The company plans to liberalize its pricing strategy next year.

The committee decided to liberalize the immigration policy.

They attempted to liberalize the education system, but faced strong opposition.

The citizens demanded the government to liberalize the media industry.

I hope to liberalize the regulations to promote innovation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

We are considering liberalizing regulations to attract foreign investment.

Experts recommend gradually liberalizing the energy market.

To promote economic growth, we should avoid liberalizing too quickly.

They decided to delay liberalizing the healthcare system due to concerns.

Do you mind liberalizing the rules for business startups?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She would like to liberalize the education system. She would like liberalizing the education system.

They started to liberalize trade relations with neighboring countries. They started liberalizing trade relations with neighboring countries.

He began to liberalize the telecommunications industry. He began liberalizing the telecommunications industry.

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