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 essential 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

  They want us to proceed with the plan.

  They want us to proceed with the plan.

  • "Us *to proceed* with the plan" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to proceed* with the plan).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a valid reason to proceed further.

  He needs a valid reason to proceed further.

  • "*To proceed* further" modifies the noun "reason."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a valid reason *to proceed* further).

Proceeding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Proceeding without a clear plan can be risky.

  Proceeding without a clear plan can be risky.

  • "*Proceeding* without a clear plan" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (risky).
• 2. Object

  We appreciate your prompt proceeding with the matter.

  We appreciate your prompt proceeding with the matter.

  • "Prompt *proceeding* with the matter" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
  • Noun (We) + verb (appreciate) + possessive pronoun (your) + gerund (prompt *proceeding* with the matter).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He is focused on proceeding with the investigation.

  He is focused on proceeding with the investigation.

  • "Focused on *proceeding* with the investigation" is the object of the preposition "on."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (is) + prepositional phrase (focused on *proceeding* with the investigation).

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

• agree
• decide
• hope
• plan
• refuse

Example

We agreed to proceed with the negotiations.

She decided to proceed with the surgery.

They hope to proceed with the construction next week.

He plans to proceed with the research project.

She refused to proceed with the purchase.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

She avoids proceeding without proper guidance.

They are considering proceeding with the merger.

Experts recommend proceeding cautiously in such situations.

I don't mind proceeding with the task.

Can you imagine proceeding without any instructions?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to proceed with the plan. I would like proceeding with caution.

They started to proceed without hesitation. They started proceeding immediately.

He began to proceed with the implementation process. He began proceeding step by step.