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To Minify vs Minifying 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 minify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to minify the code to improve performance.

Minifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Minifying the code helps optimize performance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To minify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To minify is an essential step in web development.

    To minify is an essential step in web development.

    • "*To minify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential step in web development).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to minify the files before deployment.

    She wants me to minify the files before deployment.

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

    I need a tool to minify the JavaScript code.

    I need a tool to minify the JavaScript code.

    • "*To minify* the JavaScript code" modifies the noun "tool."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to minify* the JavaScript code).

Minifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Minifying the CSS files is a common practice.

    Minifying the CSS files is a common practice.

    • "*Minifying* the CSS files" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy minifying the JavaScript code.

    I enjoy minifying the JavaScript code.

    • "*Minifying* the JavaScript code" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*minifying* the JavaScript code).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for minifying web assets.

    She has a passion for minifying web assets.

    • "For *minifying* web assets" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *minifying* web assets).

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

They recommend to minify the CSS files for faster page loading.

We decided to minify the images to reduce file size.

He attempted to minify the HTML code manually.

I would like to minify the website's resources.

They struggle to minify the CSS code without breaking the layout.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys minifying the CSS files for better performance.

They recommend regular minifying of JavaScript code for faster loading.

I avoid minifying the images too much to maintain quality.

We are considering minifying the HTML code to improve load times.

She practices minifying the website's resources regularly.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to minify the code for optimization. I like minifying the code for optimization.

He started to minify the files before deployment. He started minifying the files before deployment.

They began to minify the JavaScript code. They began minifying the JavaScript code.

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