Verbs that Change Meaning with Infinitive or Gerund

Verbs in the English language possess a chameleon-like quality: they can change their meaning significantly when paired with either an infinitive (to + base form of the verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). This linguistic phenomenon can be a source of confusion for English learners and even for native speakers. Understanding how these forms affect the meaning of certain verbs is crucial for conveying the right message. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of verbs that change their meaning depending on whether they are followed by an infinitive or a gerund, complete with examples to illustrate their different usages.

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The Impact of Infinitives and Gerunds

Infinitives and gerunds can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence, but when they follow certain verbs, they can completely change the meaning of the verb they accompany. Here are some verbs that demonstrate this transformative power.

Remember

Remember + gerund refers to recalling a past action that has already happened.

Gerund Example: I remember going to the beach as a child.

Remember + infinitive is used to express the importance of not forgetting to perform a future action.

Infinitive Example: Remember to lock the door when you leave.

Stop

Stop + gerund means to cease doing the action expressed by the gerund.

Gerund Example: He stopped smoking for health reasons.

Stop + infinitive communicates the idea of pausing an action in order to start doing something else.

Infinitive Example: She stopped to smell the roses during her walk.

Try

Try + gerund implies making an effort at something that is difficult or challenging.

Gerund Example: I try avoiding junk food, but it’s not easy.

Try + infinitive suggests attempting a new method or approach to see if it works.

Infinitive Example: If the software doesn’t work, try to reinstall it.

Forget

Forget + gerund conveys the failure to remember a past experience or event.

Gerund Example: He forgot meeting her at the conference last year.

Forget + infinitive highlights the failure to remember to perform a future action.

Infinitive Example: Don’t forget to take your medication tonight.

Regret

Regret + gerund indicates a sense of sorrow or remorse about something that has already happened.

Gerund Example: She regrets not traveling more when she was younger.

Regret + infinitive is often used when informing someone of bad news.

Infinitive Example: We regret to inform you that your application has been denied.

Need

Need + gerund can imply that something needs to be done, often by someone else.

Gerund Example: The car needs washing.

Need + infinitive is used to express a necessity for the subject to perform an action.

Infinitive Example: You need to wash the car.

Go on

Go on + gerund means to continue with the same activity.

Gerund Example: She went on talking despite the distractions.

Go on + infinitive suggests moving to a different activity or subject.

Infinitive Example: After the break, we’ll go on to discuss the next chapter.

Begin/Start

Both “begin” and “start” can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive without a significant change in meaning, but there can be a subtle difference in formality or emphasis.

Gerund Example: He began working on the project last month.
Infinitive Example: He began to work on the project last month.

Advise

Advise + gerund is used when recommending an action.

Gerund Example: The doctor advises exercising regularly.

Advise + infinitive can be used when advising someone to perform a specific action, often more formal.

Infinitive Example: The lawyer advised to proceed with caution.

Allow

Allow + gerund indicates permission for an action in general.

Gerund Example: The company allows working from home.

Allow + infinitive refers to permission for a specific instance or subject.

Infinitive Example: They don’t allow visitors to park in the staff car park.

Hate

Hate + gerund is used when someone generally dislikes an activity.

Gerund Example: I hate getting up early.

Hate + infinitive can suggest a stronger aversion or a formal statement.

Infinitive Example: I hate to say this, but we need to let you go.

Nuance and Context

It’s essential to understand that the nuances between gerund and infinitive forms can sometimes be subtle and context-dependent. Native speakers might interchange gerunds and infinitives instinctively without altering the intended meaning greatly. Nevertheless, for learners of English, the distinctions are crucial for precise communication.

Consider

Consider + gerund suggests contemplating or reflecting on an action or state.

Gerund Example: She’s considering moving to New York for her career.

Consider + infinitive is not commonly used and might sound awkward to native speakers. Instead, the infinitive form with “consider” often takes on a different structure, such as “consider whether to.”

Learn

Learn + gerund conveys the idea of acquiring knowledge through experience.

Gerund Example: He’s learning swimming by practicing every day.

Learn + infinitive indicates the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study.

Infinitive Example: She needs to learn to speak Spanish for her job in Madrid.

Final Thoughts

The interplay between verbs, gerunds, and infinitives in English can be complex, but it is a rich aspect of the language that allows for nuanced expression. By paying attention to these differences, English learners can deepen their understanding and enhance their communication skills. Whether it is remembering to fulfill an obligation or stopping to appreciate life’s little moments, the choice between a gerund and an infinitive can subtly shift the meaning and tone of a sentence. Thus, recognizing and mastering these variations is a key step towards linguistic proficiency.

In conclusion, it’s not just about what verbs we choose, but also about the forms that follow them. The distinction between gerunds and infinitives is not merely a grammatical exercise; it’s a tool for shaping thoughts, sharing experiences, and connecting with others through language. With practice and attention, anyone can navigate these linguistic subtleties and harness the full expressive power of English verbs.