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 my skills in the project to achieve success.

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 your strengths can lead to success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To utilize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To utilize available resources is essential for business growth.

  To utilize available resources is essential for business growth.

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

  She wants me to utilize my expertise in the presentation.

  She wants me to utilize my expertise in the presentation.

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

  I need a software to utilize in my daily tasks.

  I need a software to utilize in my daily tasks.

  • "*To utilize* in my daily tasks" modifies the noun "software."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a software *to utilize* in my daily tasks).

Utilizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Utilizing available resources is crucial for business growth.

  Utilizing available resources is crucial for business growth.

  • "*Utilizing* available resources" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for business growth).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy utilizing my skills in problem-solving.

  I enjoy utilizing my skills in problem-solving.

  • "*Utilizing* my skills in problem-solving" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*utilizing* my skills in problem-solving).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for utilizing innovative strategies.

  She has a passion for utilizing innovative strategies.

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

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

She plans to utilize new technology in the project.

They hope to utilize their resources efficiently.

He wants to utilize his time effectively.

We decided to utilize a different approach.

They agreed to utilize teamwork for better results.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys utilizing new technologies in her work.

They recommend utilizing data analysis for better decision-making.

I dislike the idea of utilizing outdated methods.

He avoids utilizing unreliable sources of information.

Can you imagine yourself utilizing your creativity in this project?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to utilize modern tools in her work. She likes utilizing modern tools in her work.

We started to utilize advanced techniques. We started utilizing advanced techniques.

He began to utilize his knowledge in the field. He began utilizing his knowledge in the field.