Grammar: Verb Patterns
B2 Lesson 8: Verbs with a Change in Meaning
Why It Matters: A Big Difference in Meaning
A small grammar change can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Look at the difference with the verb "stop".
Sentence A
He stopped to smoke.
(He paused his journey for the purpose of smoking a cigarette.)
Sentence B
He stopped smoking.
(He quit the habit of smoking forever.)
Verbs That Change Meaning 📖
Some verbs can be followed by a gerund OR an infinitive, but the meaning is different. You must learn the pattern for each one.
stop
stop + gerund (-ing) = to quit an action or habit.
"He was unhealthy, so he stopped eating fast food."
stop + infinitive (to...) = to pause one action to do another.
"He was driving and stopped to eat lunch."
remember
remember + gerund (-ing) = to have a memory of a past event.
"I still remember visiting Angkor Wat for the first time."
remember + infinitive (to...) = to not forget to do something.
"Please remember to lock the door."
try
try + gerund (-ing) = to do something as an experiment to solve a problem.
"My motorbike won't start. I'll try pressing this button."
try + infinitive (to...) = to make an effort to do something difficult.
"I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy."
regret
regret + gerund (-ing) = to feel sorry about something you did in the past.
"I regret not studying harder for my exam."
regret + infinitive (to...) = a formal way to give bad news.
"We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful."
💡 Pro Tip: "forget"
The verb 'forget' works very similarly to 'remember'!
- forget + gerund = forget a past memory (e.g., I'll never forget seeing the sunrise.)
- forget + infinitive = forget to do a responsibility (e.g., Don't forget to buy milk!)
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Form
Choose the correct verb form based on the meaning of the sentence.
- Please remember _______ the lights when you leave. (to turn off / turning off)
→ Answer: to turn off (Meaning: 'don't forget to do it'.) - He was very tired, so he stopped _______ a rest. (to take / taking)
→ Answer: to take (He paused for the purpose of taking a rest.) - A: "I can't sleep at night." B: "You should try _______ coffee in the evening." (not to drink / not drinking)
→ Answer: not drinking (Try this as an experiment.)
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write Sentences to Show the Difference
For each verb, write two sentences that clearly show the different meanings.
- stop
Gerund (-ing): _________________________
Infinitive (to): _________________________ - remember
Gerund (-ing): _________________________
Infinitive (to): _________________________
Example for 'stop': He stopped smoking. vs. He stopped to smoke.
Key Vocabulary
- Gerund A verb form which functions as a noun, ending in "-ing".
- Infinitive The basic form of a verb, usually with 'to' (e.g., to do, to see).
- Subtle Not obvious; small but important.