Definition / Explanation
Some verbs can be followed by either -ing or to + infinitive, but the meaning changes depending on the form. This is true with important verbs such as stop, remember, and try. The grammar pattern is small, but the difference in meaning can be large. For example, one form may refer to memory, while the other refers to obligation or purpose. This is why learners should not only memorize the structure, but also connect each structure to a specific idea.
Key Rules
- stop doing = end an activity: He stopped smoking.
- stop to do = pause one activity in order to do another: He stopped to smoke.
- remember doing = have a memory of an earlier action.
- remember to do = not forget a future action.
- try doing = test a method.
- try to do = make an effort.
Examples
- I stopped smoking two years ago.
- I stopped to buy some water.
- I remember meeting her before.
- Please remember to lock the door.
- If the printer is slow, try restarting it.
- He tried to open the window, but it was stuck.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ I remembered to meet her at the conference last year. -> ✅ I remember meeting her at the conference last year.
- ❌ Please remember locking the door tonight. -> ✅ Please remember to lock the door tonight.
- ❌ He stopped to smoke because it was bad for his health. -> ✅ He stopped smoking because it was bad for his health.
Tips
- Ask: Is this about memory, purpose, or effort? That usually tells you which pattern to choose.