Verbs followed by "ing" or infinitive to change meaning

Do you know the difference between stop doing something and stop to do something?

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

• The bus stopped picking up the children.

• The bus stopped to pick up the children.

• I want to try studying with a friend to see if it helps us stay more motivated.

• I'm trying to study but it's impossible with all this noise.

Explanation

The -ing form emphasises the verb itself. The to-infinitive puts the emphasis more on the preference for, or the results of, the action.

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 is not happening any more.

• I've stopped buying the newspaper because now I read the news online.

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

• He stopped the video to ask the students some questions.

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 turning the computer off and on again?

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

• I'm trying to learn Japanese but it's very difficult.

remember/forget

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

• I remember watching this film before.

• I'll never forget meeting you for the first time in this café.

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 buy some milk on the way home.

• He forgot to lock the door when he went out.