to verb vs verb


I always wonder if there is difference between "to + verb" and "verb". For example,


"It is not only to deepen students’ understanding of positive values, but also to enable them to know how to uphold positive values."


vs


"It not only deepens students’ understanding of positive values, but also enables them to know how to uphold positive values."


Is there any difference between the two structures?



Answer



Your first example (with the infinitive) expresses purpose. Whatever "it" is, its intended purpose is to deepen understanding and teach positive values.


Your second example (with the finite verb form) make a declaration. Whatever "it" is and whatever purpose anyone had for "it," what happened was a deepening of understanding and a teaching of positive values.


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