Learning English

'Stop', 'regret' and 'go on' ... followed by gerund or infinitive?

Now you're here because you love studying grammar or maybe you need to study more grammar! Wow aren't verbs confusing – some verbs are followed by the gerund (verb +ing), some verbs are followed by the to + infinitive. And if that wasn't confusing enough we have a group of verbs that can be followed by a gerund OR an infinitive, but the meaning changes. Sian's looking at three of them in this Masterclass – stop, regret and go on. Go on, watch it - you won't regret it!

Watch the video and complete the activity

Summary

Verbs which change meaning when followed by the gerund or infinitive form

Stop

When 'stop' is followed by the gerund, the verb in the gerund stops.

• I've stopped buying coffee – it's too expensive. 
• I've stopped smoking - it's bad for my health.

When 'stop' is followed by the infinitive, we stop something else in order to do the verb in the infinitive. 

• I stopped to buy a coffee on the way into work this morning. (I stopped walking in order to buy a coffee.)
• I stopped to have a cigarette (I stopped working in order to have a cigarette.)

Regret

When 'regret' is followed by the gerund you feel sorry about something you did – or didn't do - in the past.

• I regret telling you I was going to enter that singing competition!
• You'll regret not finishing university.

When 'regret' is followed by the infinitive, you regret something you are about to say. Often used in formal, written English with verbs 'tell', 'say' and 'inform'.

• We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful.

Go on

When 'go on' is followed by the gerund, the activity in the gerund continues.

• She went on talking about verbs for hours - she didn't stop! (She continued talking.)
• I can't go on living in this tiny house.

When 'go on' is followed by the infinitive, one action finishes and another and another action starts. This is often the next stage in a process.

• After talking about verbs she went on to tell a joke. (She changed activity.)
• After finishing his novel, he went on to direct a couple of plays.

Remember/forget

When 'remember' or 'forget' are followed by the gerund it means you forget or remember something you have done.

• I still remember being nervous on my first day of school.
• I'll never forget seeing his face

When 'remember' or 'forget' are followed by the infinitive, there is something you need to do and you remember or forget to do it.

• I forgot to bring my lunch today.
• Remember to call your mother tonight!

To do

Now you've learn all about gerunds and infinitives, it's time for you to go on to practise them! You won't regret doing this quiz!

End of Session 1

That's it for this session. Don't forget to come back next week for some more help with your English grammar!

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