Question 1

When do I use "regret to inform" in English?

Accepted Answer

"Regret to inform" (and similar phrases like "regret to say," "regret to tell you") is a formal expression used in official communication to deliver bad news politely. You will see it in rejection letters ("We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful"), formal announcements ("We regret to announce the closure of our shop"), and business correspondence. It is not used in casual conversation — you would not say "I regret to tell you I'm late." In everyday speech, use "regret + gerund" for past actions you are sorry about: "I regret eating so much" or "He regrets not studying harder."

Question 2

What is the difference between went on talking and went on to talk?

Accepted Answer

"Went on talking" means continuing the same activity without stopping — she was talking, and she kept talking: "She went on talking for another hour" (the same action continued). "Went on to talk" means moving to a different activity or topic — after finishing one thing, she proceeded to another: "After the introduction, she went on to talk about the main topic" (she moved to a new part). The gerund suggests sameness; the infinitive suggests change. This distinction is useful for describing sequences: "He went on to become a famous scientist" (his life proceeded to a new stage).

Question 3

How do I use mean with gerunds and infinitives?

Accepted Answer

"Mean + infinitive" expresses intention: "I meant to call you" (I planned to call but perhaps I didn't). "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings" (it wasn't my intention). "Mean + gerund" describes what something involves or results in: "Taking this job means moving to London" (the job involves moving). "Missing the train meant waiting two hours" (the result was waiting). The key difference: infinitive = intention (what you planned), gerund = consequence (what something involves). Cambridge exams often test this with sentences like "This promotion _____ extra responsibility" — the answer is "means having" (consequence, not intention).

Gerunds and Infinitives: Regret, Go On, Mean

Quick Rule

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Gerunds and Infinitives Error Correction

Common Gerund and Infinitive Verbs

Preposition + Gerund

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect