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To Enumerate vs Enumerating 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 enumerate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to enumerate all the tasks for today.

Enumerating (Gerund)

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

Example

Enumerating the issues will help us find a solution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To enumerate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To enumerate is an important step in data analysis.

    To enumerate is an important step in data analysis.

    • "*To enumerate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in data analysis).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to enumerate the items on the list.

    She wants me to enumerate the items on the list.

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

    We need a clear plan to enumerate the steps.

    We need a clear plan to enumerate the steps.

    • "*To enumerate* the steps" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear plan *to enumerate* the steps).

Enumerating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Enumerating the problems is a necessary task.

    Enumerating the problems is a necessary task.

    • "*Enumerating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary task).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy enumerating the different possibilities.

    I enjoy enumerating the different possibilities.

    • "*Enumerating* the different possibilities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enumerating* the different possibilities).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for enumerating details.

    She has a talent for enumerating details.

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

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

They plan to enumerate all the available options.

I hope to enumerate the benefits of this product.

He wants me to enumerate the advantages and disadvantages.

We decided to enumerate the reasons for our decision.

They agreed to enumerate the steps together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys enumerating facts and figures.

They recommend enumerating the steps for better understanding.

I dislike the task of enumerating all the errors.

She avoids enumerating the problems without solutions.

Can you imagine yourself enumerating the entire inventory?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

We like to enumerate all the possibilities. We like enumerating all the possibilities.

She started to enumerate the different options. She started enumerating the different options.

He began to enumerate the steps for the project. He began enumerating the steps for the project.

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