Verbs + Gerund or Infinitive That Change in Meaning

Verbs + Gerund or Infinitive That Change in Meaning Many verbs in English can be combined with verbs  in the gerund (doing) or infinitive (to do) form.   Verb Gerund Some verbs are followed by the gerund (or  ing) form of the verb: consider doing - I havent considered looking for a new job.appreciate doing - I appreciate listening to music on a daily basis. Verb Infinitive Some verbs are followed by the infinitive form of the verb: hope to do - I hope to see you next week at the party.decide to do - Ive decided to find a new job next week. Most verbs take either the gerund or the infinitive, but not both forms. In this case, its important to learn which verbs take which form. However, there are a number of verbs which can take both forms. Most of these keep the meaning the same:   She started to play the piano. She started playing the piano.I like to go to the beach at least once a year. I like going to the beach at least once a year. Some verbs which can take both forms have a change in meaning depending on whether the verb is followed by the gerund  or the infinitive. Here is an explanation of these verbs with examples to help provide context. Forget to Do Use  forget to do  to indicate that someone did not do something: She often forgets to lock the door when she leaves the house.I forgot to get the groceries at the supermarket. Forget Doing Use  forget doing  to say that someone doesnt remember something that they have done in the past: Mary forgets meeting Tim in Italy.Annette forgot locking the door before she left her home. Remember to Do Use  remember to do  when speaking about something someone should do: Make sure you remember to pick up some eggs at the supermarket.Im sure Ill remember to invite Peter to the party. Dont worry about it! Remember Doing Use  remember doing  to speak about a memory that someone has: I remember buying him a present.Jeff remembers living in Italy like it was yesterday. Regret to Do Use  regret to do  in the case that someone must do something that is unpleasant: I regret to tell you the bad newsThey regret to inform us that weve lost all our money! Regret Doing Use  regret doing  to express that someone doesnt like what they did at some time in the past: Peter regrets moving to Chicago.Allison regrets falling in love with Tim. Stop to Do Use  stop to do  in order to say that someone stops one action in order to do another action: Jason stopped to speak with his boss about the convention.My friend stopped to smoke a cigarette before he continued with the conversation. Stop Doing Use  stop doing  to show that someone has completely quit some action. This form is often used when speaking about bad habits: I stopped smoking cigarettes.You should stop complaining about money all the time. Try to Do Use try to do  to encourage someone to do something: He should try to learn a new language.I think you should try to save some money this month. Try Doing Use  try doing  when speaking about an experiment or something that is new: He tried going to a fitness club, but it didnt work out for him.Have you ever tried cooking fish in olive oil? Infinitive or Gerund Quiz Test your understanding of these differences in meaning by deciding whether the verb should be used in the infinitive or gerund form based on the clues provided: Jack remembers _____ (buy) eggs at the supermarket because he always takes a list.Jason stopped _____  (play)  the piano at six because it was time for dinner.I certainly didnt forget ___________ (ask) him the question because hes already given me his answer.Janice stopped _____ (make) a telephone call before she continued with her shopping.  Whats the worst thing you regret _____ (do) in your life?Have you ever forgotten _____ (get) a present for your wife on your anniversary?Alan stopped _____ (drink) years ago because of a serious liver problem.I regret _____ (tell) you that we are going out of business next month.I remember ______ (play) football when I was in high school. Unfortunately, I didnt play much during the games.I dont think Ill ever regret _____ (fall) in love with my wife. Weve been married for over thirty years! Answers: to buyplayingto askto makedoingto getdrinkingto tellplayingfalling