00 / Non-finite Verbs
Gerunds/infinitives (advanced)
Complex gerunds and infinitives allow speakers to express actions that happened before the main verb or to use the passive voice within these structures.
B2Upper Intermediate
01 / Perfect and Passive Forms
Standard gerunds and infinitives usually refer to the same time as the main verb. Perfect forms (having done, to have done) emphasize that an action was completed in the past relative to the main verb. Passive forms (being done, to be done) shift the focus to the person or thing receiving the action.
02 / Perfect and Passive Structures
Perfect: having / to have + past participle; Passive: being / to be + past participle
The perfect gerund uses the -ing form of the auxiliary verb, while the perfect infinitive uses the base form. Passive versions combine be with the past participle.
03 / Usage in Context
04 / Simple vs. Perfect Forms
In many cases, especially with gerunds after verbs like regret or deny, the simple form is acceptable because the sequence of events is clear. The perfect form is used for extra emphasis on the past completion.
| Simple Form | Perfect Form |
|---|---|
| He claims to know the truth. (He knows it now) | He claims to have known the truth. (He knew it in the past) |
| I regret telling him. (The act of telling is the focus) | I regret having told him. (Emphasizes the action is finished) |
05 / Common mistakes
I hope to have seen you tomorrow.
I hope to see you tomorrow.
The perfect infinitive refers to the past; use the simple infinitive for future intentions.
He admitted to be cheated.
He admitted to being cheated.
The verb 'admit' is followed by a gerund, so the passive form must be 'being + past participle'.
06 / Practice
Complete the sentence: The suspect admitted _______ (steal) the car two days earlier.
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Answer: having stolen
Why: The perfect gerund 'having stolen' is used after 'admitted' to emphasize that the theft happened before the admission.
Rewrite using a passive infinitive: I expect the manager to interview me.
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Answer: I expect to be interviewed by the manager.
Why: The passive infinitive 'to be interviewed' shifts the focus to the subject receiving the action.
Choose the correct form: I am proud _______ (work) with such a talented team last year.
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Answer: to have worked
Why: The perfect infinitive 'to have worked' is necessary here to refer to a completed period in the past.