Try
The meaning of the infinitive and the gerund are similar in meaning after "try."
| Infinitive form | Gerund form | |
| Try to rest more. | or | Try resting more. |
The meaning in both these sentences is the same.
When try is used in the past as "tried," however, the infinitive and the gerund forms mean opposite things. The gerund form with "tried" tells other people that an action happened, while the infinitive form tells other people that an action did not happen.
Infinitive (didn't occur)
I tried to drink some coffee to stay awake, but I couldn't find any in the house. (In other words, "I didn't drink any coffee.")
Gerund (did occur)
I tried drinking some coffee to stay awake, but it didn't help. (In other words, "I drank some coffee.")
As you can see, these two sentences appear similar, but when used in conversation and writing in English, they mean totally different things.
Remember, Stop, Forget, and Regret
When the infinitive is used after remember, stop, forget, and regret, it refers to an action that happens after the action of the main verb. However, the gerund is used to indicate an action that happened before the action of the main verb.
Infinitive (Action happens after)
I remembered to mail the letter. (This sentence means that the person remembered that they had to mail the letter, then they went to mail it.)
Gerund (Action happens before)
I remembered mailing the letter. (This sentence means that the person remembers going to the mailbox and mailing the letter.)
As you can see, these two sentences mean completely different things, and would be used in different situations as well.
Infinitive (Action happens after)
I remembered to call the dentist. (In other words, this person remembered to call the dentist then proceeded to do it.)
Gerund (Action happens before)
I remembered calling the dentist. (In other words, this person remembers using the phone to call the dentist.)
Forget is typically used with an infinitive. If it is used with a gerund, it mostly occurs in sentences with "will never."
Infinitive (Action happens after)
I forgot to send the cheque. (In other words: "I forgot, so I didn't send the cheque.)
Gerund (Action happens before)
I will never forget climbing that mountain. (In other words: "I climbed that mountain. Now I'll never forget climbing it.")
When used with verbs such as inform, tell, say, and announce, regret can be used as infinitive or a gerund. However, with all other verbs, regret takes the form of a gerund.
Infinitive (Action happens after)
I regret to inform you that I am moving out. (In other words: "I feel regret. Then I inform you.")
Gerund (Action happens before)
I regret informing you that I am moving out. (In other words: "I informed you. Now I regret it.")
Exercise
Please open the exercise to continue.