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To Serialize vs Serializing 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 serialize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to serialize this data for storage.

Serializing (Gerund)

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

Example

Serializing the data ensures its integrity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To serialize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To serialize is an important step in data processing.

    To serialize is an important step in data processing.

    • "*To serialize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in data processing).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to serialize the documents.

    She wants me to serialize the documents.

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

    I need a software tool to serialize the data.

    I need a software tool to serialize the data.

    • "*To serialize* the data" modifies the noun "software tool."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a software tool *to serialize* the data).

Serializing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Serializing is a common practice in computer science.

    Serializing is a common practice in computer science.

    • "*Serializing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in computer science).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy serializing large datasets.

    I enjoy serializing large datasets.

    • "*Serializing* large datasets" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*serializing* large datasets).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for serializing complex data structures.

    She has a passion for serializing complex data structures.

    • "For *serializing* complex data structures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *serializing* complex data structures).

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 serialize the files tomorrow.

They hope to serialize the database before the deadline.

He wants to serialize the information in a readable format.

We decided to serialize the records into JSON format.

They agreed to serialize the data together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys serializing the data for analysis.

They recommend serializing the objects for efficient storage.

I dislike the process of serializing and deserializing data.

He avoids serializing sensitive information.

Can you imagine yourself serializing millions of records?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to serialize the data before sending it. She likes serializing the data before sending it.

We started to serialize our database for backup. We started serializing our database for backup.

He began to serialize the files for archiving. He began serializing the files for archiving.

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