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To Tropicalize vs Tropicalizing 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 tropicalize (Infinitive)

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

Example

We plan to tropicalize our garden by adding palm trees and exotic plants.

Tropicalizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Tropicalizing your garden can create a vibrant and exotic atmosphere.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To tropicalize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To tropicalize your home, you can use bright colors and tropical decor.

    To tropicalize your home, you can use bright colors and tropical decor.

    • "*To tropicalize* your home" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (can use) + noun phrase (bright colors and tropical decor).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to tropicalize her backyard.

    She wants me to tropicalize her backyard.

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

    I need new plants to tropicalize my garden.

    I need new plants to tropicalize my garden.

    • "*To tropicalize* my garden" modifies the noun "plants."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (new plants *to tropicalize* my garden).

Tropicalizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Tropicalizing your home is a popular trend in interior design.

    Tropicalizing your home is a popular trend in interior design.

    • "*Tropicalizing* your home" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular trend in interior design).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy tropicalizing my patio with tropical plants and colorful furniture.

    I enjoy tropicalizing my patio with tropical plants and colorful furniture.

    • "*Tropicalizing* my patio with tropical plants and colorful furniture" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*tropicalizing* my patio with tropical plants and colorful furniture).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for tropicalizing outdoor spaces.

    She has a passion for tropicalizing outdoor spaces.

    • "For *tropicalizing* outdoor spaces" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *tropicalizing* outdoor spaces).

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

They plan to tropicalize their outdoor space for a summer party.

I hope to tropicalize my balcony with tropical flowers and plants.

He wants to tropicalize his office with a beach-themed decor.

We decided to tropicalize our backyard by installing a swimming pool.

They agreed to tropicalize the restaurant with island-inspired decorations.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys tropicalizing his backyard to create a tropical oasis.

Experts recommend tropicalizing your garden for a vacation-like ambiance.

I avoid tropicalizing my living room because I prefer a minimalist style.

They are considering tropicalizing their rooftop terrace for summer parties.

Can you imagine tropicalizing your patio with palm trees and hammocks?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to tropicalize my balcony with tropical flowers and a small fountain. I would like tropicalizing my balcony with tropical flowers and a small fountain.

They started to tropicalize their backyard by planting tropical fruit trees. They started tropicalizing their backyard by planting tropical fruit trees.

She began to tropicalize her garden by adding a palm tree and tropical shrubs. She began tropicalizing her garden by adding a palm tree and tropical shrubs.

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