Grammar explanations

Infinitive

• Infinitive with 'to'
• Gerund and infinitive - difference in meaning

• Infinitive - exercises

There are some verbs which change their meaning when gerund or to-infinitive is used.

Forget

	GERUND	INFINITIVE
	He forgot leaving the keys at home.	He forgot to leave the keys at home.
meaning:	He didn't remember the action.	He didn't leave the keys at home.

Remember

	GERUND	INFINITIVE
	I remembered posting / having posted the letters.	I remembered to post the letters.
meaning:	I remembered the action of sending the letters.	I didn't forget to send the letters.

Regret

	GERUND	INFINITIVE
	I regretted leaving the company after ten years.	We regret to inform you that you are dismissed.
meaning:	I wished I hadn't left the company.	We are sorry to inform you that you are dismissed.

Try

	GERUND	INFINITIVE
	Try holding your breath to stop sneezing.	You really must try to overcome your shyness.
meaning:	Make an experiment to check if it helps.	You should attempt to do it.

Stop

	GERUND	INFINITIVE
	I stopped smoking.	I stopped to smoke.
meaning:	I quit smoking.	I had a break to smoke.

Go on

	GERUND	INFINITIVE
	He went on talking about his holidays.	He went on to talk about his holidays.
meaning:	He continued talking about his holidays.	He finished talking about something and started talking about his holidays.

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