To Enliven vs Enlivening 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 enliven (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to enliven the party with some live music.

Enlivening (Gerund)

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

Example

Enlivening the atmosphere is essential for a successful event.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To enliven (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To enliven the atmosphere, they hired a DJ.

  To enliven the atmosphere, they hired a DJ.

  • "*To enliven* the atmosphere" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (hired) + noun phrase (a DJ).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to enliven the event with my dance performance.

  She wants me to enliven the event with my dance performance.

  • "Me *to enliven* the event with my dance performance" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to enliven* the event with my dance performance).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need some decorations to enliven the space.

  We need some decorations to enliven the space.

  • "*To enliven* the space" modifies the noun "decorations."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (some decorations *to enliven* the space).

Enlivening (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Enlivening the room with colorful decorations is a great idea.

  Enlivening the room with colorful decorations is a great idea.

  • "*Enlivening* the room with colorful decorations" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great idea).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy enlivening the party with my energetic dance moves.

  I enjoy enlivening the party with my energetic dance moves.

  • "*Enlivening* the party" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enlivening* the party).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They have a talent for enlivening any gathering.

  They have a talent for enlivening any gathering.

  • "For *enlivening* any gathering" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *enlivening* any gathering).

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 enliven the conference with interactive sessions.

I hope to enliven the party with my funny stories.

He wants to enliven the meeting with a motivational speech.

We decided to enliven the event with a live band.

They agreed to enliven the ceremony with fireworks.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

She enjoys enlivening the crowd with her jokes.

Experts recommend enlivening the workplace to boost productivity.

He avoids enlivening the conversation with controversial topics.

Can you imagine enlivening the party with a surprise performance?

They are considering enlivening the event with interactive games.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to enliven the atmosphere with lively music. I like enlivening the atmosphere with lively music.

We started to enliven the party with a dance floor. We started enlivening the party with a dance floor.

She began to enliven the meeting with an icebreaker activity. She began enlivening the meeting with an icebreaker activity.