Gerund vs Infinitive - Verbs with Both
The Gerund vs Infinitive - Verbs with Both is an essential English grammar topic for C1-C2 learners. This guide explains how to form and use the Gerund vs Infinitive - Verbs with Both, with clear examples, common mistakes, and Spanish support where helpful. After studying the explanation, you can practise with worksheets and interactive exercises.
Explanation
Some verbs can be followed by EITHER gerund or infinitive, but the meaning may change. SAME MEANING (gerund or infinitive): • like, love, hate, prefer, begin, start, continue • I like swimming. = I like to swim. • It started raining. = It started to rain. DIFFERENT MEANING: 1. REMEMBER • remember + gerund = memory of past action I remember meeting him. (I met him and I remember it) • remember + infinitive = remember to do something Remember to lock the door. (Don't forget to do it) 2. FORGET • forget + gerund = forget a past experience I'll never forget visiting Paris. (the memory) • forget + infinitive = forget to do something I forgot to call her. (I didn't call) 3. STOP • stop + gerund = quit doing something He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking) • stop + infinitive = stop in order to do something He stopped to smoke. (He stopped walking to have a cigarette) 4. TRY • try + gerund = experiment with something Try adding more salt. (as an experiment) • try + infinitive = make an effort I tried to open the door. (I made an effort) 5. REGRET • regret + gerund = regret a past action I regret telling her. (I told her and I'm sorry) • regret + infinitive = formal announcement I regret to inform you... (formal)
Examples
I remember locking the door. (I have the memory)
Gerund = memory of past action
Remember to lock the door. (Don't forget!)
Infinitive = thing you must do
She stopped talking. (She was quiet)
Gerund = quit the action
She stopped to talk. (She paused in order to talk)
Infinitive = purpose of stopping
Tips & Common Mistakes
- 1REMEMBER/FORGET: gerund = past memory, infinitive = future task
- 2STOP: gerund = quit, infinitive = purpose
- 3TRY: gerund = experiment, infinitive = make effort
- 4When in doubt with like/love/hate, both forms are usually acceptable