In last week’s podcast, we explained the use some of the more common verbs that are followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. This week, you’ll learn about some verbs that can be followed by both a gerund or an infinitive but with a slight change in meaning.

If you haven’t listened to last week’s podcast yet, we suggest doing that before you listen to this episode. https://inglespodcast.com/553

Verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives with a change in meaning
Some verbs have a different meaning depending on whether they are followed by an -ing form or to + infinitive.

Stop
Stop + -ing means the action/activity is not happening any more.
I’ve stopped drinking coffee because I couldn’t sleep well at night.
Stop + to + infinitive means that someone or something stops an activity so that they can do something else.
I stopped working to have a coffee break.

Try
Try + -ing means that you are trying something as an experiment, especially as a possible solution to a problem, to see if it works or not.
Have you tried changing the batteries in the remote control?
Try + to + infinitive means that something is difficult but you are making an effort to do it.
I’m trying to learn a new software program but it’s very complicated.

Remember and forget
Remember + -ing and forget + -ing refer to having (or not having) a memory of something in the past.
I remember studying French in school.
I’ll never forget doing our first podcast.
Remember + to + infinitive and forget + to + infinitive refer to recalling (or not recalling) that there is something we need to do before we do it.
Please remember to send us a voice message and say hello.
I forgot to tell you about my idea for this year’s podcasts.

Regret
Regret + ing means you feel bad about something you did (or didn’t do) in the past.
I regret going to the chess players’ Christmas dinner. It took them 3 hours to pass the salt.
Regret + to + infinitive is a formal structure that means you are sorry to give bad news. It often goes with the verbs ‘inform’, ‘say’ or ‘tell’.
We regret to inform you that we cannot offer you the job as chocolate taster in our factory.

Go on
Gerund: “She went on talking about her trip.” (She continued the same activity, sometimes annoyingly.)
Infinitive: “She went on to talk about her plans for the future.” (She moved on to a new activity.)
Mean
Gerund: “Being a doctor means working long hours.” (It involves or requires working long hours.)
Infinitive: “I meant to call you yesterday.” (I intended to call you.)

Need
Gerund: “The car needs washing.” (The car requires washing.)
Infinitive: “I need to wash the car.” (I have to wash the car.)

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In next week’s episode: More gerunds and infinitives

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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’