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.

When do we use it?

Interpret and choose the complement according to the intended sequence or purpose.

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.

Key contrast

At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.

Common mistakes

• Remember calling me tonight. → Remember to call me tonight.
• He stopped to smoke permanently. → He stopped smoking permanently.

Remember

Some verbs can take an -ing form or infinitive with a change in meaning, including remember, stop, try and regret.

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.