Verbs with Meaning Changes
While some verbs accept both gerunds and infinitives with the same meaning (like start), a select group of verbs changes their meaning completely depending on which form follows them.
You must master these four major verbs: remember/forget, stop, try, and regret.
1. Remember and Forget
These verbs change meaning depending on whether the action happens before or after the remembering/forgetting.
A. Followed by a Gerund (Memory of a Past Action)
Meaning: You performed the action first, and now you have a memory of it (looking back).
- I remember locking the door.
I locked the door in the past, and I recall doing it now. - I will never forget visiting Paris.
I visited Paris, and the memory remains.
B. Followed by an Infinitive (Obligation / Duty)
Meaning: You remember or forget that you need to do a task before doing it (looking forward).
- Please remember to lock the door.
Remember the duty first, then perform it. - I forgot to buy milk.
I did not buy the milk because I forgot the task.
2. Stop
This verb changes meaning based on whether you are ending an activity or starting a new one.
A. Followed by a Gerund (Ending an Activity)
Meaning: To quit, finish, or halt a habit or action.
- He stopped smoking last year.
He quit smoking; he no longer smokes.
B. Followed by an Infinitive (Stopping for a Purpose)
Meaning: To interrupt what you are doing in order to do something else (infinitive of purpose).
- He was walking, and he stopped to smoke.
He interrupted his walk in order to have a cigarette.
3. Try
This verb changes meaning based on whether you are making an effort or experimenting.
A. Followed by a Gerund (Experiment / Test)
Meaning: To do something as a test or experiment to see if it solves a problem.
- If you have a headache, try drinking some water.
Test it to see if it helps.
B. Followed by an Infinitive (Attempt / Struggle)
Meaning: To make a physical or mental effort to do something difficult (which you may or may not succeed in doing).
- I tried to open the window, but it was stuck.
I made a physical effort, but failed.
4. Regret
This verb changes meaning based on whether you are sorry about the past or delivering bad news.
A. Followed by a Gerund (Past Remorse)
Meaning: To feel sorry or apologetic about something you did in the past.
- I regret telling him my secret.
I told him the secret, and now I wish I hadn’t.
B. Followed by an Infinitive (Formally Announcing Bad News)
Meaning: To be sorry about what you are about to say (used with verbs like inform, tell, say).
- We regret to inform you that your flight has been canceled.
Formal business context.
5. Summary Grid of Meaning Changes
| Verb | + Gerund (-ing) | + Infinitive (to-verb) |
|---|---|---|
| Remember / Forget | Recall a past memory | Remember to perform a duty |
| Stop | Halt/quit an action completely | Pause an action to start another |
| Try | Experiment to see if it works | Attempt a difficult task/struggle |
| Regret | Feel sorry about a past action | Formally announce bad news |
Next, we will explore Gerunds after Prepositions to learn the absolute rule governing verb forms following prepositions in English.