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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 others 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 is my mission in life.

    To enlighten is my mission in life.

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

    She wants me to enlighten her on the topic.

    She wants me to enlighten her on the topic.

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

    I need a platform to enlighten the public.

    I need a platform to enlighten the public.

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

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

She plans to enlighten students about climate change.

They hope to enlighten people on the benefits of renewable energy.

He wants to enlighten others about the dangers of plastic pollution.

We decided to enlighten the community about sustainable living.

They agreed to enlighten their peers about mental health.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys enlightening her audience through her presentations.

They recommend enlightening documentaries for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of enlightening others without their consent.

He avoids enlightening discussions on controversial topics.

Can you imagine yourself enlightening a room full of people?

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 through self-reflection. We started enlightening ourselves through self-reflection.

He began to enlighten his community about mental health. He began enlightening his community about mental health.

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