-ing or to: when the meaning changes
remember, forget, stop, try, regret: two patterns, two meanings.
| Verb | + -ing | + to + base |
|---|---|---|
| remember | remember a past action: I remember meeting him. | remember to do a task: Remember to call me. |
| forget | forget a past experience: I'll never forget seeing the sea. | forget to do a task: I forgot to lock the door. |
| stop | end an activity: He stopped smoking. | stop in order to do something: He stopped to smoke. |
| try | experiment: Try adding salt. | make an effort: I tried to open it. |
| regret | be sorry about a past action: I regret saying that. | be sorry to announce: We regret to inform you… |
make / let + base form
After make (force) and let (allow), use the base form without «to»: She made me wait. Let me explain. But in the passive: I was made to wait.
Test yourself
-
Complete: Don't forget (buy) milk.
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to buy -
Complete: I remember (visit) this place as a child.
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visiting -
Complete: He's healthier since he stopped (drink).
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drinking -
Correct: My boss made me to work late.
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My boss made me work late.