-ing or to + infinitive? (2)

A number of common verbs can be used with non-finite verb complements that can be in either the -ing or the to + infinitive form. The form used depends on the meaning, which is not the same in each case. For example, the verb stop is used in this way:

1.	The lecturer	stopped	to take	questions.
		verb	to + inf
2.	John finally	stopped	talking	and hung up the phone.
		verb	-ing

In the first example, the non-finite to + infinitive verb complement expresses the reason for the action, whereas the -ing verb complement refers to what stopped. For example, imagine a situation where we are playing cards when the telephone rigs. We could say:

Ö : We stopped to answer the telephone.

We could even say:

Ö : We stopped playing to answer the telephone.

This distinction can be difficult for learners as there are different kinds of distinctions made by different verbs. Here are some of the most common verbs also used in this way:

**Verbs followed by the either -*ing* form or** **to + infinitive**
try	go on	remember	forget
need	want	regret	help

Here are some examples of the differences. Study these then try the exercise which follows. 'Forget' and 'remember' are used similarly, and 'want' when used with the -ing form has the same meaning as 'need' used in this way. The verb 'help' is used with the -ing form with 'cannot'.

1. The lecturer ignored the interruption and went on speaking. (= continue the same action)
2. He went on to explain the problem of heat loss. (= start next action)
3. I remember putting that awful boiled cabbage into my pockets when I was at school. (= remember a past event)
4. I'll have to go back - I forgot to switch off the heater.
5. I've forgotten watching the film, but my daughter tells me I did so.
6. Your hair needs cutting. (Your hair wants cutting.) (= something should be done)
7. I need to go to the bank.(= need some money)
8. I regret telling him about it now. (= feel regret about what happened)
9. We regret to tell you that your application has been unsuccessful. (= formal way to communicate bad news)
10. I'll try to come a bit earlier.
11. You could try mixing some wine in the sauce - it might improve it. (= test or experiment)
12. My mother helped to look after the children.
13. I can't help falling in love with you.
14. Did you remember to switch off the gas? (= remember you must do something)

Exercise: -ing or to + infinitive? (2)

This exercise uses these verbs. Select which is the best form of the verb complement to use: -ing form or to + infinitive.

Enter your name:

1. He said he remembered (1) to Paris when he was 16.

2. If the TV reception isn't very good try (2) the direction of the aerial.

3. Please don't forget (3) the door when you leave.

4. The lecturer just went on (4) his notes without looking at the audience.

5. First we'll visit The Peak, then we'll go on (5) the Conference Centre.

6. You really must change that shirt - it needs (6) .

7. She tried (7) some money from the ETC machine, but it wasn't working.

8. You really need (8) more exercise.

9. My house really wants (9) .

10. They helped (10) after the party.

11. We stopped (11) a cigarette.

12. I think she has stopped (12) at work.

13. The screw is loose - it needs (13) .

14. My trousers are loose - I need (14) the belt.

15. She really can't help (15) late sometimes when the children are at home.

16. The policed asked if he remembered (16) anyone acting suspiciously.

17. Make sure you remember (17) Mrs Robinson.

18. I regret (18) those shares - they'll never recover the value they've lost.

19. Try (19) the red button to see if it stops the machine.

20. I regret (20) you that I shall be leaving next month.

edict virtual language centre | Verbs Index