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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 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 is a characteristic of a polished performance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shine (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To shine is my ultimate goal in this competition.

    To shine is my ultimate goal in this competition.

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

    She wants me to shine on stage with her.

    She wants me to shine on stage with her.

    • "Me *to shine* on stage with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to shine* on stage with her).
  • 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 requires dedication and practice.

    Shining requires dedication and practice.

    • "*Shining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and practice).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy shining on stage.

    I enjoy shining on stage.

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

    She has a passion for shining in the spotlight.

    She has a passion for shining in the spotlight.

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

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 at the awards ceremony.

She wants to shine in the dance recital.

We decided to shine in the musical production.

They agreed to shine together in the concert.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys shining in the theater productions.

They recommend regular shining for a successful career.

I dislike the idea of shining in front of a large audience.

She avoids shining in competitions with strict judging criteria.

Can you imagine yourself shining in the spotlight?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to shine in the spotlight. She likes shining in the spotlight.

We started to shine in our school performances. We started shining in our school performances.

He began to shine in his acting career. He began shining in his acting career.

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