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To Shop vs Shopping 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 shop (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to shop for new clothes at the mall.

Shopping (Gerund)

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

Example

Shopping is a great way to relieve stress.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shop (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To shop is my favorite pastime.

    To shop is my favorite pastime.

    • "*To shop*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my favorite pastime).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to shop with her.

    She wants me to shop with her.

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

    I need a new bag to shop in style.

    I need a new bag to shop in style.

    • "*To shop* in style" modifies the noun "bag."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new bag *to shop* in style).

Shopping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Shopping can be addictive.

    Shopping can be addictive.

    • "*Shopping*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (addictive).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy shopping for books.

    I enjoy shopping for books.

    • "*Shopping* for books" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shopping* for books).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for shopping.

    She has a passion for shopping.

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

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

She plans to shop for groceries later.

They hope to shop for souvenirs during their trip.

He wants to shop for a new phone.

We decided to shop at the outlet stores this weekend.

They agreed to shop together at the mall.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys shopping in boutiques every weekend.

They recommend online shopping for convenience.

I dislike the idea of window shopping without buying anything.

He avoids impulse shopping.

Can you imagine yourself shopping in Paris?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to shop for shoes. She likes shopping for shoes.

We started to shop at the local market. We started shopping at the local market.

He began to shop online. He began shopping online.

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