To Serialize vs Serializing 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 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 the 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 is a crucial step in the process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To serialize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  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).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to serialize the files.

  She wants me to serialize the files.

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

  We need a software to serialize the data.

  We need a software to serialize the data.

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

Serializing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Serializing the data requires careful handling.

  Serializing the data requires careful handling.

  • "*Serializing* the data" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful handling).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy serializing different types of files.

  I enjoy serializing different types of files.

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

  They have a knack for serializing complex data structures.

  They have a knack for serializing complex data structures.

  • "For *serializing* complex data structures" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a knack 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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to serialize the documents tomorrow.

I hope to serialize all the records by the end of the day.

He wants to serialize the information before sharing it.

We decided to serialize the database for better performance.

They agreed to serialize the files in XML format.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

She enjoys serializing data for analysis.

Experts recommend serializing data for efficient storage and retrieval.

He avoids serializing sensitive information without proper encryption.

Can you imagine serializing terabytes of data manually?

We are considering serializing the data using a custom algorithm.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to serialize the data in JSON format. They like serializing the data in JSON format.

We started to serialize the files for backup. We started serializing the files for backup.

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