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To Enlighten vs Enlightening 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 enlighten (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to enlighten people about the importance of recycling.

Enlightening (Gerund)

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

Example

Enlightening others can be a rewarding experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To enlighten (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To enlighten others is my goal.

    To enlighten others is my goal.

    • "*To enlighten*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my goal).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to enlighten the audience.

    She wants me to enlighten the audience.

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

    I need a platform to enlighten people.

    I need a platform to enlighten people.

    • "*To enlighten* people" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to enlighten* people).

Enlightening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Enlightening people is my passion.

    Enlightening people is my passion.

    • "*Enlightening* people" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my passion).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy enlightening others with my knowledge.

    I enjoy enlightening others with my knowledge.

    • "*Enlightening* others with my knowledge" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enlightening* others with my knowledge).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for enlightening people.

    She has a talent for enlightening people.

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

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

He plans to enlighten the community on environmental issues.

They hope to enlighten students about cultural diversity.

She wants to enlighten others through her artwork.

We decided to enlighten the public through a documentary.

They agreed to enlighten the audience with their research findings.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys enlightening his students with thought-provoking discussions.

They recommend enlightening books for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of enlightening others through manipulation.

She avoids enlightening people with controversial topics.

Can you imagine the impact of enlightening the masses?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to enlighten others with her wisdom. She likes enlightening others with her wisdom.

We started to enlighten ourselves about different cultures. We started enlightening ourselves about different cultures.

He began to enlighten his followers about mindfulness. He began enlightening his followers about mindfulness.

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