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To Poop vs Pooping 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 poop (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to poop in a clean restroom.

Pooping (Gerund)

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

Example

Pooping is a necessary bodily function.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To poop (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To poop is a natural bodily function.

    To poop is a natural bodily function.

    • "*To poop*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural bodily function).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to poop in the designated area.

    She wants me to poop in the designated area.

    • "Me *to poop* in the designated area" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to poop* in the designated area).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a clean restroom to poop comfortably.

    I need a clean restroom to poop comfortably.

    • "*To poop* comfortably" modifies the noun "restroom."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clean restroom *to poop* comfortably).

Pooping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Pooping regularly is important for digestion.

    Pooping regularly is important for digestion.

    • "*Pooping*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for digestion).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy pooping in the morning.

    I enjoy pooping in the morning.

    • "*Pooping* in the morning" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pooping* in the morning).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of pooping in public.

    She has a fear of pooping in public.

    • "Of *pooping* in public" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *pooping* in public).

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 poop in the public restroom before the meeting.

They hope to poop in privacy at home.

He wants to poop in peace and quiet.

We decided to poop in the woods during our camping trip.

They agreed to poop in the designated area together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys pooping in private bathrooms.

They recommend regular pooping for a healthy digestive system.

I dislike the feeling of pooping in uncomfortable toilets.

He avoids pooping in unsanitary conditions.

Can you imagine yourself pooping in a public restroom with no doors?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to poop in clean restrooms. She likes pooping in clean restrooms.

We started to poop in eco-friendly toilets. We started pooping in eco-friendly toilets.

He began to poop at regular intervals. He began pooping at regular intervals.

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