Stop, Remember, and Try: Gerund vs. Infinitive Meaning Changes

In English, certain verbs can be followed by either a gerund (-ing form) or an infinitive (to + verb), but the meaning changes dramatically depending on which you choose. The verbs stop, remember, and try are classic examples of this phenomenon, and mastering them is essential for clear communication.

Stop + gerund means to quit doing something (e.g., "She stopped smoking" = she quit the habit), while stop + infinitive means to pause in order to do something (e.g., "She stopped to smoke" = she paused her activity to have a cigarette). Similarly, remember + gerund refers to recalling a past action (e.g., "I remember locking the door" = I have a memory of doing it), whereas remember + infinitive means not forgetting to do something in the future (e.g., "Remember to lock the door" = don't forget to do it).

The verb try follows a similar pattern: try + gerund suggests experimenting with something as a possible solution (e.g., "Try restarting the computer"), while try + infinitive emphasizes making an effort or attempt to do something difficult (e.g., "I tried to open the jar but couldn't"). Understanding these distinctions will help you express yourself more precisely and avoid confusing your listener or reader. Try the quiz to check your knowledge!