Some verbs can be followed by either -ing (gerund) or to + verb (infinitive), but the meaning changes. The most important ones at B2/C1 level are stop, remember, forget, and try.
1. Stop
- Stop + -ing → stop an activity
- Stop + to + verb → stop one activity to do another
- He stopped smoking. (= he quit)
- He stopped to smoke. (= he paused to smoke)
2. Remember
- Remember + -ing → recall a past action
- Remember + to + verb → not forget to do something
- I remember meeting her. (= memory)
- Remember to call her. (= something to do later)
3. Forget
- Forget + -ing → forget a past action
- Forget + to + verb → fail to do something
- I’ll never forget visiting Rome.
- I forgot to lock the door.
4. Try
- Try + to + verb → make an effort
- Try + -ing → experiment (see what happens)
- I tried to open the door. (= effort)
- Try pressing this button. (= suggestion)
Key idea
- -ing → past / experience / general action
- to + verb → intention / purpose / future action
