To Seize vs Seizing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To seize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to seize the opportunity to make a difference.

Seizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Seizing the opportunity is crucial for success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To seize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To seize is his only chance at success.

  To seize is his only chance at success.

  • "*To seize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his only chance at success).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to seize the moment.

  She wants me to seize the moment.

  • "Me *to seize* the moment" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to seize* the moment).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strategy to seize the market.

  I need a strategy to seize the market.

  • "*To seize* the market" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to seize* the market).

Seizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Seizing the opportunity requires courage and determination.

  Seizing the opportunity requires courage and determination.

  • "*Seizing* the opportunity" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (courage and determination).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy seizing every chance I get.

  I enjoy seizing every chance I get.

  • "*Seizing* every chance I get" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*seizing* every chance I get).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for seizing new opportunities.

  She has a passion for seizing new opportunities.

  • "For *seizing* new opportunities" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *seizing* new opportunities).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to seize the opportunity and start her own business.

They hope to seize the moment and achieve their goals.

He wants to seize the chance to travel the world.

We decided to seize the opportunity and pursue our dreams.

They agreed to seize the moment and take action.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys seizing the moment and living life to the fullest.

They recommend seizing every opportunity for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of seizing power by force.

He avoids seizing control in situations where collaboration is key.

Can you imagine yourself seizing the opportunity to change the world?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to seize every chance she gets. She likes seizing every chance she gets.

We started to seize new business opportunities. We started seizing new business opportunities.

He began to seize the moment and take risks. He began seizing the moment and taking risks.