- Post 1 dealt with verbs which can be followed by gerunds or infinitives.
- Post 2 dealt with verbs, nouns, adjectives and prepositions which can be followed by gerunds or prepositions.
- Today we are again looking at verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives; however, the meaning changes depending on whether you use these verbs as a gerund or infinitive.
A gerund or an infinitive can be used after the following four verbs but the meaning changes:
- I remembered to feed the dog. (the remembering occurred before the action – I remembered and then I fed the dog)
- I remember feeding the dog. (the remembering occurs after the action – I am thinking about the time I fed the dog)
- I forgot to do my homework. (the forgetting occurred before the action – I didn’t do my homework)
- I forgot doing my homework. (the forgetting occurred after the action – I did the homework, but then I forgot that I did it)
- I stopped to talk to him. (an action was interrupted – I was doing something and then I stopped because I wanted to talk)
- I stopped talking to him. (an action has stopped – I don’t talk to him any longer)
- I tried to help him. (the action is too difficult to complete – I tried but failed to help him)
- I tried helping him. (It is unclear if I successfully helped him or not)
The Quiz
Choose the correct Form of the Verb
Speaking Practice
- Where do you remember going on holiday with your family when you were young?
- Have you ever forgotten to take something important with you?
- Have you ever tried learning to play a musical instrument?
- Do you have any bad habits you would like to stop doing?
If you have a question about today’s lesson, leave it in the comments section below and we will reply.
Now check out our Gerund or Infinitive? Quiz 4!