Learn English Grammar

Verbs which can be followed by the gerund or infinitive form:-

Some verbs can be followed by the gerund or infintive.

With no change in meaning

begin | continue | hate | like | love | neglect | prefer | start | try

For example:-

• He began to learn English when he was eight.
• He began learning English when he was eight.
• I hate to leave.
• I hate leaving.

!Note - We often use the gerund when we speak about things in general, and the infinitive for particular situations.

With a change in meaning

forget | remember | stop

For example:-

• I forgot to feed the cat. (The cat is hungry - he has not been fed)
• I forgot feeding the cat. (The cat is ok - I fed him and then forgot about it)