To Enable vs Enabling 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 enable (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to enable others to achieve their goals.

Enabling (Gerund)

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

Example

Enabling others to succeed is a rewarding experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To enable (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To enable is a crucial step in the process.

  To enable is a crucial step in the process.

  • "*To enable*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial step in the process).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to enable the new feature.

  She wants me to enable the new feature.

  • "Me *to enable* the new feature" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to enable* the new feature).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a tool to enable better communication.

  We need a tool to enable better communication.

  • "*To enable* better communication" modifies the noun "tool."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to enable* better communication).

Enabling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Enabling requires careful planning and execution.

  Enabling requires careful planning and execution.

  • "*Enabling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and execution).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy enabling individuals to reach their full potential.

  I enjoy enabling individuals to reach their full potential.

  • "*Enabling* individuals to reach their full potential" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enabling* individuals to reach their full potential).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for enabling team collaboration.

  She has a talent for enabling team collaboration.

  • "For *enabling* team collaboration" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *enabling* team collaboration).

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 enable seamless integration with other systems.

We hope to enable a more efficient workflow.

He wants to enable remote access to the database.

I decided to enable automatic updates for the software.

They agreed to enable multi-factor authentication.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

They enjoy enabling seamless integration between different platforms.

We recommend enabling two-factor authentication for added security.

He avoids enabling unnecessary features to reduce complexity.

She considers enabling real-time data synchronization.

Can you imagine enabling instant communication across the globe?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to enable new possibilities. I like enabling innovation.

They started to enable advanced analytics. They started enabling data-driven decision-making.

We began to enable seamless communication. We began enabling cross-functional collaboration.