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To Shine vs Shining 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 shine (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to shine on stage with my performance.

Shining (Gerund)

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

Example

Shining brightly, the sun warmed the earth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shine (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To shine is her ultimate goal in life.

    To shine is her ultimate goal in life.

    • "*To shine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her ultimate goal in life).
  • 2Object

    They expect me to shine in the spotlight.

    They expect me to shine in the spotlight.

    • "Me *to shine* in the spotlight" is the object of the verb "expect."
    • Noun (They) + verb (expect) + noun phrase (me *to shine* in the spotlight).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a polish to shine his shoes.

    He needs a polish to shine his shoes.

    • "*To shine* his shoes" modifies the noun "polish."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a polish *to shine* his shoes).

Shining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Shining is a sign of cleanliness.

    Shining is a sign of cleanliness.

    • "*Shining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of cleanliness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy shining my shoes every morning.

    I enjoy shining my shoes every morning.

    • "*Shining* my shoes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shining* my shoes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for shining silverware.

    She has a passion for shining silverware.

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

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 shine in the competition next month.

I hope to shine at my job interview tomorrow.

He wants to shine in the concert tonight.

We decided to shine on our anniversary dinner.

They agreed to shine in the team's victory celebration.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys shining his car to make it look new.

They recommend regular shining for maintaining the floor's appearance.

She dislikes the task of shining the windows.

I avoid shining my jewelry with harsh chemicals.

Can you imagine yourself shining on the red carpet?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to shine in the spotlight. I like shining in the spotlight.

She started to shine as a professional dancer. She started shining as a professional dancer.

He began to shine after receiving proper training. He began shining after receiving proper training.

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