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To Specify vs Specifying 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 specify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need you to specify the details of the project.

Specifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Specifying the details will help us proceed with the project.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To specify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To specify is important in order to avoid confusion.

    To specify is important in order to avoid confusion.

    • "*To specify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (important).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to specify the requirements for the event.

    She wants me to specify the requirements for the event.

    • "Me *to specify* the requirements for the event" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to specify* the requirements for the event).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a clear instruction to specify the process.

    I need a clear instruction to specify the process.

    • "*To specify* the process" modifies the noun "instruction."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear instruction *to specify* the process).

Specifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Specifying the requirements is essential for successful implementation.

    Specifying the requirements is essential for successful implementation.

    • "*Specifying* the requirements" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for successful implementation).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy specifying the specifications for new products.

    I enjoy specifying the specifications for new products.

    • "*Specifying* the specifications for new products" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*specifying* the specifications for new products).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for specifying complex details.

    She has a talent for specifying complex details.

    • "For *specifying* complex details" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *specifying* complex details).

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 specify the timeline for the project tomorrow.

They want to specify the budget for the event.

We decided to specify the requirements for the product.

They agreed to specify the terms and conditions together.

He determined to specify the criteria for selection.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys specifying the requirements for the project.

They recommend specifying the objectives before starting.

I avoid specifying unnecessary details in the report.

We are considering specifying additional features.

Can you imagine specifying all the steps for the process?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to specify the deadline for the task. I would like specifying the specific requirements.

They started to specify the scope of the project. They started specifying the necessary resources.

He began to specify the format of the report. He began specifying the desired outcomes.

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