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To Educate vs Educating 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 educate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to educate myself on the latest research in my field.

Educating (Gerund)

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

Example

Educating young minds is a rewarding experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To educate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To educate is a noble profession.

    To educate is a noble profession.

    • "*To educate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a noble profession).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to educate her children.

    She wants me to educate her children.

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

    I need a book to educate myself.

    I need a book to educate myself.

    • "*To educate* myself" modifies the noun "book."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a book *to educate* myself).

Educating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Educating children is a crucial responsibility.

    Educating children is a crucial responsibility.

    • "*Educating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial responsibility).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy educating students about history.

    I enjoy educating students about history.

    • "*Educating* students about history" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*educating* students about history).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for educating underprivileged children.

    She has a passion for educating underprivileged children.

    • "For *educating* underprivileged children" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *educating* underprivileged children).

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

She plans to educate herself on different cultures during her travels.

They hope to educate others about the importance of recycling.

He wants to educate himself on financial management.

We decided to educate our community on the benefits of healthy eating.

They agreed to educate their employees on workplace safety.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys educating herself by reading books on various subjects.

They recommend educating children about environmental conservation from an early age.

I dislike the idea of educating students solely through lectures.

He avoids educating students without providing practical examples.

Can you imagine yourself educating a classroom full of eager learners?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to educate herself on different cultures. She likes educating herself on different cultures.

We started to educate ourselves on sustainable living practices. We started educating ourselves on sustainable living practices.

He began to educate his children at home. He began educating his children at home.

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