Infinitive vs. Gerund
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 they keys aren't there. |
Remember
|
GERUND |
INFINITIVE |
|
I remembered posting / having posted the letters. |
I remembered to post the letters. |
meaning: |
I remembered that I had posted the letters. |
I remembered that I should post the letters. |
Regret
|
GERUND |
INFINITIVE |
|
I regretted leaving the company after ten years. |
We regret to inform you that you are dismissed. |
meaning: |
I wished I hadn't left the company. |
I am very sorry to inform you that you are dismissed. |
Try
|
GERUND |
INFINITIVE |
|
Try holding your breath to stop sneezing. |
You really must try to overcome your shyness. |
meaning: |
|
|
Stop
|
GERUND |
INFINITIVE |
|
I stopped smoking. |
I stopped to smoke. |
meaning: |
I gave up smoking. |
I stopped in order to have a smoke. |
Go on
|
GERUND |
INFINITIVE |
|
He went on talking about his holidays. |
He went on to talk about his holidays. |
meaning: |
He carried on talking about his holidays. |
He started talking about his holidays. |