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To Memorize vs Memorizing 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 memorize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to memorize all the important dates for the history test.

Memorizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Memorizing helps improve your memory.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To memorize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To memorize requires a lot of concentration.

    To memorize requires a lot of concentration.

    • "*To memorize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a lot of concentration).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to memorize the speech for her.

    She wants me to memorize the speech for her.

    • "Me *to memorize* the speech for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to memorize* the speech for her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a quiet room to memorize the lines.

    I need a quiet room to memorize the lines.

    • "*To memorize* the lines" modifies the noun "room."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet room *to memorize* the lines).

Memorizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Memorizing is a useful study technique.

    Memorizing is a useful study technique.

    • "*Memorizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a useful study technique).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy memorizing famous quotes.

    I enjoy memorizing famous quotes.

    • "*Memorizing* famous quotes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*memorizing* famous quotes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for memorizing long passages.

    He has a talent for memorizing long passages.

    • "For *memorizing* long passages" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *memorizing* long passages).

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 memorize the vocabulary words tonight.

They hope to memorize the song lyrics before the concert.

She wants to memorize the script for the play.

We decided to memorize the dance routine together.

They agreed to memorize the lines for the scene.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys memorizing new vocabulary words.

They recommend regular memorizing for better cognitive abilities.

I dislike the idea of memorizing long speeches.

He avoids memorizing unnecessary information.

Can you imagine yourself memorizing a whole book?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to memorize poetry. I like memorizing poetry.

We started to memorize the multiplication tables. We started memorizing the multiplication tables.

He began to memorize the guitar chords. He began memorizing the guitar chords.

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