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To Illumine vs Illuminating 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 illumine (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to illumine the room with candles.

Illuminating (Gerund)

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

Example

Illuminating the room with candles creates a cozy atmosphere.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To illumine (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To illumine is the purpose of this lamp.

    To illumine is the purpose of this lamp.

    • "*To illumine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the purpose of this lamp).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to illumine the stage.

    She wants me to illumine the stage.

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

    I need a light to illumine the path.

    I need a light to illumine the path.

    • "*To illumine* the path" modifies the noun "light."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a light *to illumine* the path).

Illuminating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Illuminating the room with candles is my favorite way to relax.

    Illuminating the room with candles is my favorite way to relax.

    • "*Illuminating* the room with candles" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my favorite way to relax).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy illuminating the stage for performances.

    I enjoy illuminating the stage for performances.

    • "*Illuminating* the stage for performances" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*illuminating* the stage for performances).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for illuminating dark spaces.

    She has a passion for illuminating dark spaces.

    • "For *illuminating* dark spaces" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *illuminating* dark spaces).

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 illumine the garden for the party.

They hope to illumine the building with colorful lights.

He wants to illumine the room with fairy lights.

We decided to illumine the pathway with lanterns.

They agreed to illumine the park for the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys illuminating her artwork with spotlights.

They recommend illuminating outdoor areas for safety.

I dislike the idea of illuminating the room with bright lights.

He avoids illuminating the stage with harsh spotlights.

Can you imagine yourself illuminating a grand theater production?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to illumine her paintings with soft lighting. She likes illuminating her paintings with soft lighting.

We started to illumine our garden with solar lights. We started illuminating our garden with solar lights.

He began to illumine his room with LED strips. He began illuminating his room with LED strips.

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