Help center

To Localize vs Localizing 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 localize (Infinitive)

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

Example

We plan to localize our website in multiple languages.

Localizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Localizing our content is crucial for reaching a global audience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To localize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To localize is an essential step in expanding into new markets.

    To localize is an essential step in expanding into new markets.

    • "*To localize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential step in expanding into new markets).
  • 2Object

    They want us to localize their software.

    They want us to localize their software.

    • "Us *to localize* their software" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to localize* their software).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a professional translator to localize our content.

    We need a professional translator to localize our content.

    • "*To localize* our content" modifies the noun "translator."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a professional translator *to localize* our content).

Localizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Localizing our products has helped us expand into new markets.

    Localizing our products has helped us expand into new markets.

    • "*Localizing* our products" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (has helped) + noun phrase (us expand into new markets).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy localizing websites for different cultures.

    I enjoy localizing websites for different cultures.

    • "*Localizing* websites for different cultures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*localizing* websites for different cultures).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for localizing content.

    She has a talent for localizing content.

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

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

We decided to localize our product for the international market.

They hope to localize their website in different languages.

He wants to localize the app for specific regions.

We managed to localize the software in record time.

She determined to localize the website for better user experience.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend localizing the app for better user engagement.

We are considering localizing our services for international customers.

He avoids localizing the website himself and hires professionals.

Can you imagine the benefits of localizing your brand for different markets?

It is important to understand the cultural nuances when localizing content.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to localize websites for different regions. She likes localizing websites for different regions.

We started to localize our products for international markets. We started localizing our products for international markets.

He began to localize the software in multiple languages. He began localizing the software in multiple languages.

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!