Verb patterns (change in meaning)
B1 IntermediateCertain verbs change their meaning depending on whether they are followed by an -ing form or a to-infinitive. Understanding these shifts is essential for describing memories, efforts, and future obligations accurately.
Overview
In English, most verbs follow a fixed pattern, but a small group of verbs change their meaning based on the grammatical structure that follows them. Generally, the -ing form refers to an action that happened before the main verb, while the to-infinitive refers to an action that happens after the main verb or as a new goal.
Key Meaning Shifts
For example, stop smoking means quitting the habit, whereas stop to smoke means pausing a walk or work to have a cigarette.
| Verb | + -ing (Past/Continuous) | + to-infinitive (Future/Purpose) |
|---|---|---|
| remember | Recalling a past memory. | Not forgetting a task or duty. |
| forget | Losing the memory of a past event. | Failing to perform a necessary action. |
| stop | Ending an ongoing activity. | Pausing an activity to do something else. |
| try | Experimenting with a new method. | Making an effort to do something difficult. |
| regret | Feeling sorry about a past action. | Feeling sorry about a present duty (formal). |
Examples
Common mistakes
I forgot meeting him last year.
I forgot to meet him last year.
Use the infinitive if you failed to attend the meeting; use -ing if you met him but don't remember it.
I regret to tell you that I lied.
I regret telling you that I lied.
Use -ing for past actions you feel bad about. 'Regret to tell' is for giving bad news now.
Practice
I _____ (try) to open the window, but it was stuck and wouldn't move.
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tried
Answer:tried
Why:Use 'try + to-infinitive' when describing an effort to do something difficult that may not succeed.
I will never forget _____ (see) the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
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seeing
Answer:seeing
Why:Use the -ing form after 'forget' to describe a memory of a past event.
On the way home, she stopped _____ (buy) some milk.
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to buy
Answer:to buy
Why:Use the to-infinitive to show that she paused her journey in order to perform a different action.