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To Streamline vs Streamlining 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 streamline (Infinitive)

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

Example

We need to streamline our production process for increased efficiency.

Streamlining (Gerund)

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

Example

Streamlining our workflow can lead to significant time savings.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To streamline (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To streamline is our top priority.

    To streamline is our top priority.

    • "*To streamline*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (our top priority).
  • 2Object

    They want us to streamline the project management system.

    They want us to streamline the project management system.

    • "Us *to streamline* the project management system" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to streamline* the project management system).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a software to streamline the inventory management.

    He needs a software to streamline the inventory management.

    • "*To streamline* the inventory management" modifies the noun "software."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a software *to streamline* the inventory management).

Streamlining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Streamlining is essential for business growth.

    Streamlining is essential for business growth.

    • "*Streamlining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for business growth).
  • 2Object

    They enjoy streamlining their operational procedures.

    They enjoy streamlining their operational procedures.

    • "*Streamlining* their operational procedures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (They) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*streamlining* their operational procedures).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    We discussed the benefits of streamlining the supply chain.

    We discussed the benefits of streamlining the supply chain.

    • "Of *streamlining* the supply chain" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (We) + verb (discussed) + noun phrase (the benefits of *streamlining* the supply chain).

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

We plan to streamline our operations next year.

They decided to streamline the manufacturing process.

I hope to streamline our communication channels.

She wants to streamline the customer service experience.

We determined to streamline our decision-making process.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend streamlining your business processes.

They are considering streamlining their project management approach.

We should avoid streamlining without proper analysis.

Imagine the benefits of streamlining your financial operations.

He resists streamlining his team's workflow.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to streamline our communication channels. I would like streamlining our communication channels.

Let's begin to streamline our decision-making process. Let's begin streamlining our decision-making process.

They continue to streamline their production line. They continue streamlining their production line.

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