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To Specialise vs Specialising 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 specialise (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to specialise in graphic design.

Specialising (Gerund)

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

Example

Specialising in photography allows me to capture beautiful moments.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To specialise (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To specialise is a great way to become an expert in a specific field.

    To specialise is a great way to become an expert in a specific field.

    • "*To specialise*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to become an expert in a specific field).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to specialise in web development.

    She wants me to specialise in web development.

    • "Me *to specialise* in web development" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to specialise* in web development).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a course to specialise in digital marketing.

    I need a course to specialise in digital marketing.

    • "*To specialise* in digital marketing" modifies the noun "course."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a course *to specialise* in digital marketing).

Specialising (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Specialising in culinary arts requires dedication and passion.

    Specialising in culinary arts requires dedication and passion.

    • "*Specialising*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and passion).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy specialising in user experience design.

    I enjoy specialising in user experience design.

    • "*Specialising* in user experience design" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*specialising* in user experience design).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for specialising in event planning.

    She has a talent for specialising in event planning.

    • "For *specialising*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *specialising* in event planning).

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 specialise in data analysis next year.

They hope to specialise in finance for their career.

He wants to specialise in artificial intelligence.

We decided to specialise in environmental science.

They agreed to specialise in medical research together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys specialising in fashion photography.

They recommend specialising in business management for better career prospects.

I dislike the idea of specialising in accounting.

He avoids specialising in public speaking.

Can you imagine yourself specialising in interior design?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to specialise in marketing strategy. She likes specialising in marketing strategy.

We started to specialise in computer programming. We started specialising in computer programming.

He began to specialise in financial analysis. He began specialising in financial analysis.

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