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To Burgle vs Burgling 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 burgle (Infinitive)

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

Example

The thieves decided to burgle the house while the owners were away.

Burgling (Gerund)

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

Example

Burgling is a dangerous activity that can lead to imprisonment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To burgle (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To burgle is a serious crime.

    To burgle is a serious crime.

    • "*To burgle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a serious crime).
  • 2Object

    He wants them to burgle the jewelry store.

    He wants them to burgle the jewelry store.

    • "Them *to burgle* the jewelry store" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (them *to burgle* the jewelry store).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a mask to burgle the house.

    I need a mask to burgle the house.

    • "*To burgle* the house" modifies the noun "mask."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mask *to burgle* the house).

Burgling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Burgling is a serious crime.

    Burgling is a serious crime.

    • "*Burgling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a serious crime).
  • 2Object

    He enjoys burgling wealthy homes.

    He enjoys burgling wealthy homes.

    • "*Burgling* wealthy homes" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*burgling* wealthy homes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She was arrested for burgling several businesses.

    She was arrested for burgling several businesses.

    • "For *burgling* several businesses" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (was arrested) + preposition (for) + gerund (*burgling* several businesses).

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

The criminals plan to burgle the bank tonight.

They attempted to burgle the mansion but got caught.

She refused to burgle the office building for ethical reasons.

He pretended to burgle the museum as part of a performance art piece.

We chose to burgle the warehouse for its valuable inventory.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids burgling high-security buildings.

They are considering burgling the art gallery for valuable paintings.

The criminal mastermind recommended burgling the mansion during the party.

I wouldn't mind burgling if it were legal.

Can you imagine someone burgling your home while you're away?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to burgle houses in wealthy neighborhoods. He likes burgling houses in wealthy neighborhoods.

They began to burgle small shops for quick cash. They began burgling small shops for quick cash.

She continues to burgle despite the risks involved. She continues burgling despite the risks involved.

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