Gerund and infinitive meaning changes
Some verbs can take an -ing form or infinitive with a change in meaning, including remember, stop, try and regret.
Learning goal: Gerund and infinitive meaning changes
Interpret and choose the complement according to the intended sequence or purpose.
In a nutshell
Some verbs can take an -ing form or infinitive with a change in meaning, including remember, stop, try and regret.
When do we use it?
Interpret and choose the complement according to the intended sequence or purpose.
Pattern
Form
Compare remember doing/to do, stop doing/to do, and try doing/to do.
- I remember meeting her.
- Remember to call.
- He stopped smoking.
- He stopped to rest.
Examples
Key contrast
At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.
Watch out
Common mistakes
Remember calling me tonight.→ Remember to call me tonight.He stopped to smoke permanently.→ He stopped smoking permanently.
Key takeaway
Remember
Some verbs can take an -ing form or infinitive with a change in meaning, including remember, stop, try and regret.
Self-check
Quick check
- Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
- Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
- Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.
Put it into practice
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