Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + - ing

Do you know the difference between stop doing something and stop to do something? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how these verb patterns work.

• The teacher stopped giving homework to the class.

The teacher stopped to give instructions to the class.

• I want to consider learning a new language to enhance my career prospects.

I'm considering learning but it's difficult with my current schedule.

Grammar explanation - Verbs followed by '-ing' or infinitive to change meaning

Some verbs have a different meaning depending on whether they are followed by an -ing form or to + infinitive.

1. Stop

Stop + -ing means the action is not happening anymore.

• I've stopped watching television because I prefer reading books.

Stop + to + infinitive means that someone or something stops an activity so that they can do something else.

• She stopped her workout to answer a phone call.

2. 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 adding more salt to the recipe?

Try + to + infinitive means that something is difficult but you are making an effort to do it.

• I'm trying to finish my report by the deadline, but it's challenging.

3. remember/forget

Remember + -ing and forget + -ing refer to having (or not having) a memory of something in the past.

• I remember visiting that museum last summer.

• I'll never forget celebrating my birthday with friends last year.

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 the email before noon.

• He forgot to take his umbrella when he left the house.

Try another grammar lesson