To Proceed vs Proceeding 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 proceed (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to proceed with the project despite the challenges.

Proceeding (Gerund)

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

Example

Proceeding with caution is important in this situation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To proceed (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To proceed is the next step in the process.

  To proceed is the next step in the process.

  • "*To proceed*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the next step in the process).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to proceed with the plan.

  She wants me to proceed with the plan.

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

  We need a strategy to proceed smoothly.

  We need a strategy to proceed smoothly.

  • "*To proceed* smoothly" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to proceed* smoothly).

Proceeding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Proceeding carefully is crucial for success.

  Proceeding carefully is crucial for success.

  • "*Proceeding* carefully" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for success).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy proceeding with the project.

  I enjoy proceeding with the project.

  • "*Proceeding* with the project" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*proceeding* with the project).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for proceeding with complex tasks.

  She has a talent for proceeding with complex tasks.

  • "For *proceeding* with complex tasks" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *proceeding* with complex tasks).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to proceed with the construction of the building next month.

I hope to proceed with my education and pursue a higher degree.

He wants to proceed with the negotiation and finalize the deal.

We decided to proceed with the launch of the new product.

They agreed to proceed with the merger of the two companies.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• postpone
• imagine

Example

They recommend proceeding with caution in uncertain situations.

He avoids proceeding without proper planning and analysis.

I am considering proceeding with the legal action against them.

We have decided to postpone proceeding with the project until next month.

Can you imagine proceeding without any guidance or instructions?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to proceed step by step in her work. She likes proceeding cautiously in her work.

We started to proceed with the plan immediately. We started proceeding with the plan immediately.

He began to proceed with the implementation of the changes. He began proceeding with the implementation of the changes.