Gerund and infinitive - differences
There are some verbs after which there is a difference in meaning after using gerund or infinitive form of the verb.
Forget
| GERUND | INFINITIVE | |
|---|---|---|
| He forgot leaving the keys at home. | He forgot to leave the keys at home. | |
| meaning: | He forgot the fact that he left the keys at home. | He forgot to leave the keys at home so the keys weren't there. |
Remember
| GERUND | INFINITIVE | |
|---|---|---|
| I remembered posting / having posted the letters. | I remembered to post the letters. | |
| meaning: | I remembered the fact that I posted the letters | I didn't forget to send the letters. |
Regret
| GERUND | INFINITIVE | |
|---|---|---|
| I regretted leaving the company after ten years. | We regret to inform you that you are dismissed. | |
| meaning: | I was very sorry that I left the company. | We are very sorry to inform you that you are fired. |
Try
| GERUND | INFINITIVE | |
| Try holding your breath to stop sneezing. | You really must try to overcome your shyness. | |
| meaning: | Make an experiment | Make an attempt to overcome your shyness. |
Stop
| GERUND | INFINITIVE | |
| I stopped smoking. | I stopped to smoke. | |
| meaning: | I ceased smoking and now I don't smoke. | I stopped in order to smoke. |
Go on
| GERUND | INFINITIVE | |
| He went on talking about his holidays. | He went on to talk about his holidays. | |
| meaning: | He continued talking about his holidays. | He started talking about his holidays as a new topic. |