Remembering the Difference: Using Gerunds and Infinitives

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Understanding the Difference between Gerunds and Infinitives
2. Verbs Followed by Gerunds
   • 2.1 Remember
   • 2.2 Forget
   • 2.3 Regret
   • 2.4 Try
   • 2.5 Stop
3. Verbs Followed by Infinitives
   • 3.1 Mean
   • 3.2 Go On
   • 3.3 Need
4. Verbs with a Change in Meaning
   • 4.1 Regret
   • 4.2 Try
   • 4.3 Stop
   • 4.4 Mean
   • 4.5 Go On
   • 4.6 Need
5. Exercises to Practice Gerunds and Infinitives
6. Conclusion

📚 Introduction: Understanding the Difference between Gerunds and Infinitives

In the English language, there are certain verbs that can be followed by either the gerund form of the verb (ending in -ing) or the infinitive form with a change in meaning. Understanding the correct usage of gerunds and infinitives can be confusing for English learners. In this article, we will explore the verbs that are followed by gerunds, the verbs that are followed by infinitives, and the verbs that have a change in meaning when followed by either a gerund or an infinitive.

📝 Verbs Followed by Gerunds

2.1 Remember

The verb "remember" is used with both gerunds and infinitives, but with a difference in meaning. When we say "I remember doing my homework," we are referring to an event in the past that we recall. The gerund form (-ing) is used to express remembering a past action. On the other hand, when we say "Remember to do your homework," we are talking about a future action. The infinitive form ("to do") is used to convey a reminder or an instruction for a future action.

Pros:

• Provides clarity when referring to past events
• Reminds or instructs for future actions

Cons:

• May cause confusion if the context is not clear

2.2 Forget

The verb "forget" also has different meanings when used with gerunds and infinitives. "I'll never forget winning the race" implies remembering a past event. The gerund form is used to express a memory of the past. On the other hand, "I forgot to do my homework" signifies the failure to remember a future action. The infinitive form is used to convey forgetting a necessary action.

Pros:

• Differentiates between remembering a past event and forgetting a future action
• Provides clarity in communication

Cons:

• Potential confusion if the intended meaning is not clear

2.3 Regret

The verb "regret" is another example of a verb that changes meaning when followed by a gerund or an infinitive. "I regret eating all the biscuits" expresses the feeling of remorse or sorrow about a past action. The gerund form is used to convey regret for something that was done or didn't do in the past. On the other hand, "We regret to inform you" implies feeling sorry about what is about to be said or done. The infinitive form is used to express regret for something that will happen in the future.

Pros:

• Clearly distinguishes between regretting a past action and regretting a future action
• Helps convey emotions accurately

Cons:

• Requires understanding of the context for accurate interpretation

2.4 Try

The verb "try" also has different meanings depending on whether it is followed by a gerund or an infinitive. "Try pushing the button" suggests making an attempt or an experiment in doing something. The gerund form is used when suggesting trying or experimenting with a particular action. On the other hand, "I'm trying to give up smoking" indicates difficulty or effort involved in doing something. The infinitive form implies striving or making an effort to do something.

Pros:

• Provides clarity in differentiating between suggesting an experiment and implying effort or difficulty
• Conveys intention accurately

Cons:

• Requires understanding of the intended meaning in context

2.5 Stop

The verb "stop" also changes meaning when followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. "Stop shouting" means to cease the action of shouting. The gerund form is used when you want to end an action completely. On the other hand, "He stopped to say hello" implies that he ceased one action (likely walking or doing something else) in order to do another action (say hello).

Pros:

• Clearly distinguishes between stopping one action to do another and ending an action completely
• Provides clarity in communication

Cons:

• Potential confusion if the intended meaning is not clear

📝 Verbs Followed by Infinitives

3.1 Mean

The verb "mean" can also be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, with a change in meaning. "Applying for this job means filling in this form" suggests that filling in the form is a consequence or result of applying for the job. The gerund form is used to convey the idea of something that follows as a consequence. On the other hand, "He meant to break the glass" indicates intention or doing something on purpose. The infinitive form is used to express intention or doing something on purpose.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between a consequence and an intention
• Conveys meaning accurately

Cons:

• Requires careful understanding of the intended meaning in context

3.2 Go On

The verb "go on" also changes meaning depending on whether it is followed by a gerund or an infinitive. "Everyone went on working" implies the continuation of the same activity. The gerund form is used when there is no change in the activity. On the other hand, "She said hello and then she went on to talk about her new job" suggests a change in activity. The infinitive form is used to indicate a change in the activity.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between the continuation of the same activity and a change in the activity
• Conveys meaning accurately

Cons:

• Potential confusion if the intended meaning is not clear

3.3 Need

The verb "need" also has different meanings depending on whether it is followed by a gerund or an infinitive. "My room needs cleaning" means that the room requires cleaning, but it does not necessarily imply that you have to do it. The gerund form is used when the passive form is used and it is not clear who will perform the action. On the other hand, "I need to clean my room" indicates a personal obligation or necessity to perform the action.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between a general need for an action and a personal obligation or necessity to perform the action
• Provides clarity in communication

Cons:

• May require additional context for accurate interpretation

📝 Verbs with a Change in Meaning

4.1 Regret

When it comes to verbs with a change in meaning when followed by gerunds or infinitives, "regret" is a prime example. As mentioned earlier, "regret" followed by a gerund expresses regret for something that was done or not done in the past. On the other hand, "regret" followed by an infinitive expresses regret for something that will happen in the future. This distinction helps convey emotions accurately and provides clarity in communication.

Pros:

• Differentiates between regretting a past action and regretting a future action
• Helps convey emotions accurately

Cons:

• Requires understanding of the context for accurate interpretation

4.2 Try

Similar to "regret," the verb "try" also changes meaning when followed by gerunds or infinitives. When used with a gerund, such as "try pushing the button," it suggests making an attempt or an experiment in doing something. On the other hand, "try" followed by an infinitive, as in "I'm trying to give up smoking," implies difficulty or effort involved in doing something. This distinction provides clarity in differentiating between suggesting an experiment and implying effort or difficulty.

Pros:

• Provides clarity in differentiating between suggesting an experiment and implying effort or difficulty
• Conveys intention accurately

Cons:

• Requires understanding of the intended meaning in context

4.3 Stop

"Stop" is another verb that changes meaning when followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. When used with a gerund, as in "stop shouting," it means to end the action of shouting completely. On the other hand, "stop" followed by an infinitive, such as "he stopped to say hello," implies ceasing one action in order to do another action. This distinction clearly differentiates between stopping one action to do another and ending an action completely.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between stopping one action to do another and ending an action completely
• Provides clarity in communication

Cons:

• Potential confusion if the intended meaning is not clear

4.4 Mean

"Mean" is yet another verb that changes meaning when followed by gerunds or infinitives. When used with a gerund, such as "applying for this job means filling in this form," it suggests that filling in the form is a consequence or result of applying for the job. On the other hand, "mean" followed by an infinitive, as in "he meant to break the glass," indicates intention or doing something on purpose. This distinction conveys the idea of a consequence or an intention accurately.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between a consequence and an intention
• Conveys meaning accurately

Cons:

• Requires careful understanding of the intended meaning in context

4.5 Go On

When it comes to "go on," the verb changes meaning depending on whether it is followed by a gerund or an infinitive. When used with a gerund, such as "everyone went on working," it implies the continuation of the same activity. On the other hand, "go on" followed by an infinitive, as in "she said hello and then she went on to talk about her new job," suggests a change in activity. This distinction clearly differentiates between the continuation of the same activity and a change in the activity.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between the continuation of the same activity and a change in the activity
• Conveys meaning accurately

Cons:

• Potential confusion if the intended meaning is not clear

4.6 Need

"Need" is another verb that changes meaning when followed by gerunds or infinitives. When used with a gerund, such as "my clothes need washing," it means that the clothes require washing, but it does not necessarily imply who will perform the action. On the other hand, "need" followed by an infinitive, as in "I need to wash my clothes," indicates a personal obligation or necessity to perform the action. This distinction provides clarity in differentiating between a general need and a personal obligation or necessity.

Pros:

• Clearly differentiates between a general need for an action and a personal obligation or necessity to perform the action
• Provides clarity in communication

Cons:

• May require additional context for accurate interpretation

📝 Exercises to Practice Gerunds and Infinitives

Now that we have learned about the verbs followed by gerunds and infinitives, let's practice our understanding through some exercises. Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate gerund or infinitive form of the verb in parentheses.

1. Please remember (lock) the door when you go out.
2. I believe that what I did was right. I don't regret (do) it.
3. I can't go on (live) here anymore. I want a new apartment.
4. Try (be) quiet when you come home. I will be sleeping.
5. My clothes need (wash). They are all dirty.

📝 Conclusion

Understanding the usage of gerunds and infinitives is essential in mastering the English language. By knowing the verbs that are followed by gerunds, the verbs that are followed by infinitives, and the verbs that have a change in meaning with the use of either a gerund or an infinitive, you can enhance your English communication skills. Remember to practice and apply these rules in your conversations to become a more fluent English speaker.

Highlights

• Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives
• Verbs followed by gerunds: remember, forget, regret, try, stop
• Verbs followed by infinitives: mean, go on, need
• Verbs with a change in meaning: regret, try, stop, mean, go on, need
• Exercises to practice gerunds and infinitives
• Mastering the usage of gerunds and infinitives for fluent English communication

FAQ

Q: What are gerunds and infinitives? A: Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. Infinitives are the base form of a verb, usually preceded by "to," that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Q: How do I know when to use a gerund or an infinitive? A: The choice between a gerund and an infinitive depends on the verb that precedes it. Some verbs are followed by a gerund while others are followed by an infinitive. It is important to learn the patterns and usage of these verbs.

Q: Can verbs have different meanings when followed by gerunds and infinitives? A: Yes, some verbs have different meanings when followed by gerunds or infinitives. For example, "mean" can mean a consequence when followed by a gerund but an intention when followed by an infinitive.

Q: What is the difference between "remember doing" and "remember to do"? A: "Remember doing" refers to recalling a past action, while "remember to do" means to remind oneself or others to do something in the future.

Q: Can "go on" mean different things when followed by a gerund or an infinitive? A: Yes, "go on" can mean the continuation of the same activity when followed by a gerund, and a change in activity when followed by an infinitive.

Resources

• Oxford English Now