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To Maximize vs Maximizing 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 maximize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to maximize my productivity by creating a daily schedule.

Maximizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Maximizing your income requires careful financial planning.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To maximize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To maximize your potential, you must work hard.

    To maximize your potential, you must work hard.

    • "*To maximize* your potential" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (must) + verb phrase (work hard).
  • 2Object

    She encourages me to maximize my time.

    She encourages me to maximize my time.

    • "Me *to maximize* my time" is the object of the verb "encourages."
    • Noun (She) + verb (encourages) + noun phrase (me *to maximize* my time).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a plan to maximize my results.

    I need a plan to maximize my results.

    • "*To maximize* my results" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to maximize* my results).

Maximizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Maximizing profits is crucial for a successful business.

    Maximizing profits is crucial for a successful business.

    • "*Maximizing* profits" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for a successful business).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy maximizing my potential.

    I enjoy maximizing my potential.

    • "*Maximizing* my potential" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*maximizing* my potential).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for maximizing resources.

    She has a talent for maximizing resources.

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

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

She plans to maximize her profits this year.

They hope to maximize their chances of success.

He wants to maximize his potential in his career.

We decided to maximize our efficiency in the project.

They agreed to maximize their resources for the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys maximizing her savings through smart investments.

They recommend maximizing your learning through continuous education.

I dislike the idea of maximizing profits at the expense of ethics.

He avoids maximizing risks by conducting thorough risk assessments.

Can you imagine the benefits of maximizing your potential?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to maximize her free time. She likes maximizing her free time.

We started to maximize our efficiency at work. We started maximizing our efficiency at work.

He began to maximize his profits in the business. He began maximizing his profits in the business.

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