Verbs like remember, forget, stop, and regret completely change meaning depending on whether they take a gerund or an infinitive. The gerund often refers to a past or existing action, as in I clearly remember locking the door, while the infinitive often refers to a future, intended, or interrupting action, as in please remember to submit the report.
Grammar Rule
These verbs completely change meaning depending on whether they take a gerund or an infinitive.
Advanced Gerund vs Infinitive (Meaning Change): Rules and Examples
| Verb | + gerund | + infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| remember / forget | recalling a completed action: I clearly remember locking the door. | future task: Please remember to submit the report. |
| stop | ending an activity: He stopped smoking. | pausing to do something else: We stopped to ask for directions. |
| regret | sorrow about the past | formal bad news: We regret to inform you… |
Remember: gerund often refers to a past or existing action; infinitive often refers to a future, intended, or interrupting action.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the gerund or infinitive to match the correct meaning. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Advanced Gerund vs Infinitive
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does remember + gerund mean?
It means recalling a completed action, as in I clearly remember locking the door.
What does remember + infinitive mean?
It means a future task not to forget, as in please remember to submit the report.
What is the difference between stop + gerund and stop + infinitive?
Stop + gerund means ending an activity, as in he stopped smoking, while stop + infinitive means pausing to do something else, as in we stopped to ask for directions.
What does regret + infinitive usually express?
It usually expresses formal bad news, as in we regret to inform you.