At advanced levels, infinitives and gerunds are used to express complex ideas, explain intentions, evaluate actions, and describe completed or ongoing events. An infinitive consists of to + the base form of a verb, while a gerund is the -ing form of a verb functioning as a noun. Many advanced verbs require one specific pattern, while others can take either an infinitive or a gerund, sometimes with different meanings. More advanced structures also include passive and perfect infinitives and gerunds.

The committee agreed to implement the new policy after considering collecting additional evidence. Members also expected to be informed about future developments and appreciated having been consulted before the final decision was made.

Many advanced English verbs are followed by an infinitive (to + base verb). These verbs often express plans, intentions, attempts, decisions, or professional responsibilities. Using the correct verb pattern will make your speaking and writing sound more natural and academically appropriate.

• The organization aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Researchers attempted to identify the source of the problem.
• The committee decided to postpone the final vote.
• She managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.
• The company prepared to expand into international markets.
• Several countries agreed to cooperate on the research project.
• The government undertook to improve public transportation.
• Scientists expected to discover additional evidence.
• The manager refused to approve the proposal immediately.
• The research team strived to develop a more effective treatment.

Many advanced English verbs are followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). These verbs often express evaluation, analysis, recommendations, acknowledgement, or ongoing actions. This pattern frequently appears in academic writing, professional reports, and formal discussions.

• The committee considered postponing the project.
• Experts recommended reducing energy consumption.
• The witness admitted making an error.
• We appreciate receiving your feedback.
• The organization avoided increasing unnecessary expenses.
• Scientists anticipated discovering additional evidence.
• The report mentioned improving public transportation.
• The proposal warrants reviewing before approval.
• The company contemplated relocating its headquarters.
• The lawyer defended presenting additional evidence.

Several advanced English verbs can be followed by either an infinitive (to + base verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). For many verbs, the meaning remains essentially the same. However, with several important verbs, the meaning changes depending on which structure is used. Understanding these differences is essential for academic writing, professional communication, and advanced English examinations.

• The company began expanding into international markets.
• The company began to expand into international markets.
• Please remember to submit your assignment. (Do not forget to do it.)
• I remember submitting the assignment. (I have a memory of doing it.)
• She regretted accepting the offer. (She felt sorry after accepting it.)
• We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful. (A formal announcement.)
• The engineer tried restarting the system. (He tested one possible solution.)
• The engineer tried to restart the system. (He attempted to restart it.)
• The witness stopped speaking when the judge entered. (The action ended.)
• The witness stopped to speak with the lawyer. (He paused another activity in order to speak.)

Many advanced English verbs are followed by an object before another verb. These patterns are frequently used to express advice, permission, obligation, persuasion, expectations, or prevention. They are especially common in academic writing, business communication, and professional discussions.

• The professor encouraged the students to participate in the research project.
• The manager required all employees to complete the training program.
• The consultant advised the company to diversify its investments.
• The committee authorized the department to proceed with the proposal.
• The judge ordered the defendant to appear in court.
• The campaign encouraged residents to recycle more frequently.
• Strict regulations prevent factories from releasing untreated waste.
• The security system stopped unauthorized users from accessing the network.
• The new legislation prohibits companies from collecting personal data without consent.
• The vaccination program protects children from developing serious illnesses.

Advanced English frequently uses passive infinitives and passive gerunds when the action is more important than who performs the action. These structures are common in academic writing, business communication, research papers, and formal reports because they create a more objective and professional style.

• Everyone expected to be informed before the announcement.
• The applicants hoped to be selected for the final interview.
• The report deserves to be reviewed carefully.
• The project was expected to be completed by June.
• The proposal is likely to be approved next month.

• The employees appreciated being recognized for their hard work.
• She dislikes being interrupted during meetings.
• The witness denied being involved in the incident.
• Many people fear being judged by others.
• The committee discussed being consulted before future decisions.

The perfect infinitive and perfect gerund are used to describe actions that happened before another action or point in time. These structures allow speakers and writers to discuss earlier events, completed actions, responsibility, regret, or past experiences. They are commonly used in academic writing, formal reports, and advanced speaking and writing tasks.

• The researcher claimed to have discovered a more effective treatment.
• The company appears to have improved its financial performance.
• The witness was believed to have seen the accident.
• The committee was expected to have completed its review by July.
• The organization seems to have achieved its long-term goals.

• She admitted having forgotten the deadline.
• The company denied having violated environmental regulations.
• He regretted having accepted the offer too quickly.
• They appreciated having received additional funding.
• The witness denied having spoken to the suspect.

At advanced levels, English relies heavily on verb patterns. Rather than memorizing individual verbs, learn the complete structure that follows each verb. Understanding infinitives and gerunds will improve your accuracy in CELPIP, IELTS, academic writing, and professional communication.

• Many advanced verbs are always followed by to + base verb.
• Many others are always followed by verb + -ing.
• Some verbs, such as begin, continue, start, and prefer, can use either structure.
• Some verbs, including remember, forget, regret, stop, and try, change meaning depending on whether they are followed by an infinitive or a gerund.
• Many reporting, advising, and persuading verbs require the pattern Verb + Object + To + Base Verb.
• Verbs expressing prevention or restriction usually require Verb + Object + From + Verb-ing.
• Passive infinitives and gerunds emphasize the receiver of an action, while perfect infinitives and gerunds emphasize an action completed before another event.

• The researchers aimed to develop a more effective vaccine.
• The committee considered postponing the decision.
• The instructor encouraged students to participate.
• The new policy prevents companies from releasing untreated waste.
• All applicants expected to be notified by email.
• Employees appreciated being recognized for their achievements.
• The scientist claimed to have discovered a new species.
• The witness admitted having provided incorrect information.