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 business processes.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To utilize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To utilize resources effectively is essential for success.

  To utilize resources effectively is essential for success.

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

  She wants me to utilize my expertise in this project.

  She wants me to utilize my expertise in this project.

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

  I need a tool to utilize for my research.

  I need a tool to utilize for my research.

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

Utilizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Utilizing social media is crucial for marketing success.

  Utilizing social media is crucial for marketing success.

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

  I enjoy utilizing different tools for my projects.

  I enjoy utilizing different tools for my projects.

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

  She has a passion for utilizing her creativity.

  She has a passion for utilizing her creativity.

  • "For *utilizing* her creativity" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *utilizing* her creativity).

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 time wisely during the trip.

I hope to utilize my skills in the new job.

He wants to utilize the available resources efficiently.

We decided to utilize technology for better productivity.

They agreed to utilize teamwork for the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys utilizing technology to simplify tasks.

They recommend utilizing data analytics for better insights.

I dislike the idea of utilizing outdated methods.

She avoids utilizing unreliable sources for information.

Can you imagine utilizing virtual reality in education?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to utilize innovative strategies. They like utilizing innovative strategies.

We started to utilize advanced technology. We started utilizing advanced technology.

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