To Enkindle vs Enkindling 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 enkindle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to enkindle a spark of inspiration in others.

Enkindling (Gerund)

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

Example

Enkindling enthusiasm is a key skill for a motivational speaker.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To enkindle (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To enkindle is a powerful act of motivation.

  To enkindle is a powerful act of motivation.

  • "*To enkindle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a powerful act of motivation).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to enkindle the audience with my speech.

  She wants me to enkindle the audience with my speech.

  • "Me *to enkindle* the audience with my speech" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to enkindle* the audience with my speech).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a source of inspiration to enkindle my creativity.

  I need a source of inspiration to enkindle my creativity.

  • "*To enkindle* my creativity" modifies the noun "source of inspiration."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a source of inspiration *to enkindle* my creativity).

Enkindling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Enkindling curiosity leads to a thirst for knowledge.

  Enkindling curiosity leads to a thirst for knowledge.

  • "*Enkindling* curiosity" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (leads to) + noun phrase (a thirst for knowledge).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy enkindling excitement in others with my storytelling.

  I enjoy enkindling excitement in others with my storytelling.

  • "*Enkindling* excitement in others with my storytelling" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enkindling* excitement in others with my storytelling).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for enkindling motivation in her team.

  She has a talent for enkindling motivation in her team.

  • "For *enkindling* motivation in her team" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *enkindling* motivation in her team).

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

• hope
• want
• decide
• agree
• choose

Example

They hope to enkindle a sense of purpose in their team.

He wants to enkindle a love for learning in his students.

We decided to enkindle a spirit of teamwork in our department.

They agreed to enkindle a sense of adventure in their lives.

She chose to enkindle a passion for art in her career.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys enkindling inspiration in her readers.

They recommend enkindling a love for nature in children.

I am considering enkindling a sense of purpose in my work.

He avoids enkindling conflict in his relationships.

Can you imagine enkindling a sense of wonder in others?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to enkindle a spark of creativity in her students. She likes enkindling a sense of joy in her students.

We started to enkindle a passion for music. We started enkindling a love for art and culture.

He began to enkindle a spirit of resilience. He began enkindling a sense of empowerment.