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 in the spotlight during the 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 bright, the stars illuminated the night sky.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To shine (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To shine is his ultimate goal in life.
To shine is his ultimate goal in life.
- "*To shine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his ultimate goal in life).
- 2Object
She wants me to shine at the presentation tomorrow.
She wants me to shine at the presentation tomorrow.
- "Me *to shine* at the presentation tomorrow" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to shine* at the presentation tomorrow).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a spotlight to shine on me.
I need a spotlight to shine on me.
- "*To shine* on me" modifies the noun "spotlight."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spotlight *to shine* on me).
Shining (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Shining bright is the sun's primary function.
Shining bright is the sun's primary function.
- "*Shining* bright" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the sun's primary function).
- 2Object
I enjoy shining my shoes to keep them looking new.
I enjoy shining my shoes to keep them looking new.
- "*Shining* my shoes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shining* my shoes).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a passion for shining his car.
He has a passion for shining his car.
- "For *shining* his car" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *shining* his car).
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
He plans to shine in the talent show next week.
They hope to shine in their upcoming performance.
She wants to shine in the dance recital.
We decided to shine in the musical production.
They agreed to shine on stage together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys shining her jewelry to make it sparkle.
They recommend regular shining for maintaining a clean floor.
I dislike the idea of shining shoes for a living.
He avoids shining silverware because it's time-consuming.
Can you imagine yourself shining as a star on stage?
