Some verbs can take either an -ing form or an infinitive, but the meaning changes. The -ing form usually looks at something that already happened or is the activity itself; the infinitive looks at a purpose or something that still has to happen.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| stop + -ing (quit) · stop + to (in order to) | I stopped smoking. / I stopped to smoke. |
| remember + -ing (memory) · remember + to (not forget) | I remember locking it. / Remember to lock it. |
| try + -ing (experiment) · try + to (make an effort) | Try adding salt. / I tried to open it. |
| forget · regret · go on · mean |
When to use it
- Stop: stop doing = quit; stop to do = pause in order to do.
- Remember / forget: + -ing = a memory; + to = the duty.
- Try: + -ing = experiment; + to = attempt, make an effort.
- Regret: + -ing = feel sorry about the past; + to = formal “I am sorry to say”.
- Go on: + -ing = continue; + to = then do the next thing.
Examples
- He stopped smoking last year.
- She stopped to buy some water.
- I remember meeting her in Paris.
- Remember to call your mother.
- Try turning it off and on again.
- I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy.
Common mistakes
- I forgot locking the door (when you did not lock it) → I forgot to lock the door.
- He stopped to smoke means he paused in order to smoke, not that he quit.
- I try to open it, it works not → I tried opening it. (to see what happens)