To Utilize vs Utilizing 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 utilize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to utilize this opportunity to learn new skills.

Utilizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Utilizing technology can streamline your workflow.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To utilize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To utilize your strengths is essential for success.

  To utilize your strengths is essential for success.

  • "*To utilize* your strengths" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for success).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to utilize my expertise in the project.

  She wants me to utilize my expertise in the project.

  • "Me *to utilize* my expertise in the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to utilize* my expertise in the project).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a tool to utilize effectively.

  I need a tool to utilize effectively.

  • "*To utilize* effectively" modifies the noun "tool."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to utilize* effectively).

Utilizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Utilizing social media is important for marketing.

  Utilizing social media is important for marketing.

  • "*Utilizing* social media" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for marketing).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy utilizing different tools for my work.

  I enjoy utilizing different tools for my work.

  • "*Utilizing* different tools for my work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*utilizing* different tools for my work).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a knack for utilizing resources effectively.

  She has a knack for utilizing resources effectively.

  • "For *utilizing* resources effectively" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *utilizing* resources effectively).

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 utilize their resources efficiently.

We hope to utilize this technology in our business.

He wants to utilize his skills in the new project.

She decided to utilize her time wisely.

They agreed to utilize their knowledge for the benefit of all.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

He enjoys utilizing new software for his projects.

They recommend utilizing data analytics for better decision-making.

She avoids utilizing outdated methods in her work.

Can you imagine yourself utilizing virtual reality in your business?

Do you mind utilizing this template for your presentation?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to utilize this opportunity for growth. I would like utilizing this opportunity for growth.

They started to utilize the new software. They started utilizing the new software.

He began to utilize his knowledge in practical ways. He began utilizing his knowledge in practical ways.