To Shoplift vs Shoplifting Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To shoplift (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to shoplift because it is illegal.

Shoplifting (Gerund)

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

Example

Shoplifting is a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shoplift (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To shoplift is a criminal offense.

  To shoplift is a criminal offense.

  • "*To shoplift*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a criminal offense).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to shoplift the item for her.

  She wants me to shoplift the item for her.

  • "Me *to shoplift* the item" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to shoplift* the item).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a disguise to shoplift without being recognized.

  I need a disguise to shoplift without being recognized.

  • "*To shoplift* without being recognized" modifies the noun "disguise."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a disguise *to shoplift* without being recognized).

Shoplifting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Shoplifting can have severe consequences.

  Shoplifting can have severe consequences.

  • "*Shoplifting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can have) + noun phrase (severe consequences).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy shoplifting as a challenge.

  I enjoy shoplifting as a challenge.

  • "*Shoplifting* as a challenge" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shoplifting* as a challenge).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He got caught for shoplifting.

  He got caught for shoplifting.

  • "For *shoplifting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (got caught) + preposition (for) + gerund (*shoplifting*).

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

• decide
• attempt
• pretend
• wish
• demand

Example

We decided to shoplift from that store.

He attempted to shoplift the expensive jewelry.

They pretend to shoplift just for fun.

I wish to shoplift was never an option.

The thief demanded to shoplift without consequences.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• deny
• imagine
• resist

Example

They avoid shoplifting by staying away from stores.

The security guard recommends reporting any suspected shoplifting.

He denied shoplifting the stolen goods.

Can you imagine yourself shoplifting in broad daylight?

She resisted shoplifting despite the temptation.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to shoplift expensive items. They like shoplifting expensive items.

He started to shoplift when he was a teenager. He started shoplifting when he was a teenager.

We began to shoplift out of desperation. We began shoplifting out of desperation.