Verbs followed by ing or by to + infinitive

When one verb is followed by another, the second verb can either be an infinitive or an ing form. Some verbs can be
followed by only an infinitive , others by only an ing form and some by both but with a change in meaning. To know
which structure to use, you can consult a good dictionary but here are some common examples.

Verb + infinitive
I want to speak to the manager.
Shes learning to ride a horse.
He offered to help us wash up.
Want, learn and offer are followed by to + infinitive

Other verbs in this group include: afford, agree, ask, choose, decide, expect, hope, prepare, promise, pretend,
refuse, would like.

Verb + ing form

I enjoy travelling.
He admitted stealing the necklace.
I dont mind waiting if youre busy.
enjoy admit and mind are followed by the ing form

Other verbs in this group include: avoid, consider, dislike, feel like, finish, give up, cant help, practise, suggest.

Verb + infinitive or ing form with no change in meaning

A few verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or the ing form and the meaning does not change.
I started to work here in 1994.
I started working here in 1994.
The meaning of these two sentences is the same.

There arent many verbs that can take an infinitive or an ing form with no change in meaning. Begin and continue
are two more examples.

There is also a group of verbs that can be followed by an infinitive or an ing form with a change in meaning. These
verbs will be covered in another section.
When one verb is followed by another, the second verb can either be an infinitive or an ing form. Some verbs can be
followed by either an infinitive, or an ing form but with a change in meaning. These are some of the most common
ones.

Like I like watching old films on TV.

With an ing form, like means enjoy

I like to wash up as soon as I finish eating.
I might not enjoy washing up but I think its the right thing to do.

Remember that would like can only be followed by an infinitive.

Id like to go to Japan next year, if possible.

Try Im trying to learn Japanese but its very difficult.

Try + to + infinitive means that something is difficult and you make an attempt to do it.
Have you tried using butter instead of oil?

Try + ing means make an experiment. Its not difficult it might work, it might not.

stop
Stop + ing tells us what has stopped. in this example, buying a newspaper.
Ive stopped buying a newspaper every day to try to save money.

Stop + to + infinitive tells us why something stopped. In this example the reason that the bus stopped was to pick up
the children.
The bus stopped to pick up the children.

remember /forget
Dont forget to post that letter for me.
Did you remember to post that letter for me?

Remember/forget + to + infinitive means that you remember something you have to do a duty or a chore.
Ill always remember meeting you for the first time.
Ill never forget meeting you for the first time.

Remember/forget + ing form means remember something you did in the past an event or an activity.