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Gerunds & Infinitives
Verbs That Change Meaning
Stop, remember, forget, try, go on.
Explanation
A gerund after these verbs looks back at the action itself, while an infinitive looks forward to a purpose or a task still to be done. The difference is often a real difference in meaning, not a stylistic one.
Examples
- I remember locking the door.
- Remember to lock the door.
- We tried restarting the router, then tried to reach support.
Common mistakes
I remembered to lock the door, so I relaxed.
Fine, but it means the act of remembering came first.
Gerund reports a memory; infinitive reports a duty.
He went on to talk about costs after discussing design.
Correct: it means he moved to a new topic.
Go on plus -ing means continue the same activity.
I regret to tell you this.
Correct in a formal announcement.
Regret plus -ing reports a past regret.