Verbs taking to V or Ving with a change in meaning

1

forget + to V (= forget to do sth)I'm sorry, I forgot to lock the car

forget + Ving ( = forget a past event) We'll never forget visiting Paris.

7

try + toV ( = do one's best; attempt She tried hard to cope with her new job

try + Ving ( = do sth as an experiment) Try adding some more sauce to your pasta.

2

remember + to V ( = remember to do sth)

Remember to read the instructions.

remember + Ving ( = recall a past event)

I don't remember meeting AI before.

8

want + to V ( = wish)

I want to find a better job.

want + Ving ( = sth needs to be done)

Your dress wants cleaning.

3

mean + to V ( = intend to)

He means to move to Newcastle.

mean + Ving ( = involve)

Working harder means getting more money.

9

stop + to V ( = pause temporarily)

He stopped to buy some milk on his way home.

stop + Ving ( = finish; cease)

Stop talking to each other, please!

4

go on + to V ( = finish doing sth and start doing sth else)

After finishing her BA, she went on to

get a master's degree.

go on + Ving ( = continue)

She went on watching TV.

10

be sorry + to V ( = regret)

I'm sorry to hear he has been injured.

be sorry for + Ving ( = apologise)

I'm sorry for misunderstanding/having

misunderstood what you said.

5

regret + to V ( = be sorry to)

I regret to tell you that you have failed.

regret + Ving ( = have second thoughts about sth already done)

I regret telling lies.

11

hate + to V ( = hate what one is about to do)

I hate to interrupt, but I must talk to you.

hate + Ving ( = feel sorry for what one is doing)

I hate making you feel uncomfortable.

6

would prefer + to V (specific preference)

I'd prefer to have an early night tonight.

prefer + Ving( + to Ving ) (in general)

I prefer reading a book to watching TV.

prefer + to-inf + (rather) than + V

I prefer to read a book (rather) than watch TV.

12

be afraid + to V (= be too frightened to do sth)

I'm afraid to drive over the old bridge.

be afraid of + Ving (= be afraid that what is referred to by the -ing form may happen)

She is afraid of breaking her leg if she jumps over the wall.

13

Like/ love/ dislike + Ving ( = enjoy doing sth)

I like swimming in hot weather.

Like/ love/ dislike + to V ( = consider sth right)

I like to wash the dishes right after dinner.