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To Pool vs Pooling 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 pool (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to pool our resources to fund the project.

Pooling (Gerund)

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

Example

Pooling our resources is essential for the success of the project.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pool (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pool our resources is a smart decision.

    To pool our resources is a smart decision.

    • "*To pool* our resources" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a smart decision).
  • 2Object

    They want me to pool their money for investment.

    They want me to pool their money for investment.

    • "Me *to pool* their money for investment" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (me *to pool* their money for investment).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a bigger container to pool all the water.

    We need a bigger container to pool all the water.

    • "*To pool* all the water" modifies the noun "container."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bigger container *to pool* all the water).

Pooling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Pooling our resources requires cooperation and teamwork.

    Pooling our resources requires cooperation and teamwork.

    • "*Pooling* our resources" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (cooperation and teamwork).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy pooling ideas with my colleagues.

    I enjoy pooling ideas with my colleagues.

    • "*Pooling* ideas with my colleagues" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pooling* ideas with my colleagues).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for strategic pooling of resources.

    She has a talent for strategic pooling of resources.

    • "For strategic *pooling* of resources" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for strategic *pooling* of resources).

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 pool their savings for a vacation.

I hope to pool our knowledge and expertise for this project.

He wants to pool their skills to create a successful team.

They decided to pool their resources for charity.

We agreed to pool our efforts to achieve the common goal.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy pooling their skills and knowledge for collaborative projects.

Experts recommend pooling resources to minimize costs.

I dislike the idea of pooling my finances with others.

He avoids pooling his time and energy on unproductive tasks.

Can you imagine the benefits of pooling ideas and creativity?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pool her resources for investment opportunities. She likes pooling her resources for investment opportunities.

We started to pool our knowledge and expertise for this project. We started pooling our knowledge and expertise for this project.

He began to pool their money for a joint venture. He began pooling their money for a joint venture.

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