Verbs + Infinitives or Gerunds

Questions and Answers

What does the verb 'remember' followed by a gerund indicate?

To remember having done something in the past. (correct)

To not remember a task.

To wish it were not necessary to do something.

To stop doing something.

What is the correct passive form of a gerund?

having been done

to be done

to have been done

being done (correct)

Which sentence correctly shows the use of 'try' with an infinitive?

I am trying to reach her. (correct)

I try reached her.

I tried reaching her.

I am trying reaching her.

How does 'stop' function differently when followed by a gerund compared to an infinitive?

It expresses cessation for another action. Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence 'My father is not good at remembering birthdays, but my mother is', what does 'is' serve as?

An auxiliary verb. Signup and view all the answers

What does forgetting with an infinitive mean, in contrast to forgetting with a gerund?

It means to fail to remember to perform a future task. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the meaning of 'try' followed by a gerund?

To experiment with a method. Signup and view all the answers

What is the passive form of the infinitive for 'to love'?

to be loved Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Verbs + Infinitives or Gerunds with Different Meanings

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, leading to distinct meanings.
Key verbs with differing meanings when followed by gerunds or infinitives include "remember," "forget," "regret," "stop," and "try."

Remember

Remember + Infinitive: Indicates recalling the necessity to perform a task (e.g. "He always remembers to send flowers on their anniversary").
Remember + Gerund: Refers to recalling an action completed in the past (e.g. "He remembers sending flowers last year").

Forget

Forget + Infinitive: Implies failing to remember to perform a task (e.g. "She sometimes forgets to call").
Forget + Gerund: Indicates not being able to recall having done an action in the past (e.g. "She sometimes forgets calling").

Regret

Regret + Infinitive: Expresses sorrow about the necessity of an action (e.g. "I regret to tell you that I have a secret").
Regret + Gerund: Conveys remorse about something done that cannot be undone (e.g. "I regret telling you my secret").

Stop

Stop + Infinitive: Signifies pausing one activity to engage in another (e.g. "We stopped to watch the sunset").
Stop + Gerund: Indicates ceasing an ongoing action (e.g. "We stopped watching the sunset").

Try

Try + Infinitive: Conveys an attempt to achieve something (e.g. "I tried to reach her").
Try + Gerund: Suggests experimenting with a specific method (e.g. "I tried reaching her by email").

Passive Forms of Infinitives and Gerunds

The passive infinitive is formed as "to + be + past participle."
The passive gerund is constructed as "being + past participle."
Example of passive infinitive: "Everybody wants to be loved by somebody."
Example of passive gerund: "Being asked to settle an argument can be awkward."

Auxiliary Verbs after But and And

In sentences joined by "but" or "and," main verbs are often omitted and replaced by auxiliary verbs.
Example with "but": "My father is not good at remembering birthdays, but my mother is."
Example with "but": "John does not get frustrated easily, but Sara does."
Example with "and": "He thinks he looks better without a beard, and his wife does too."
Example with "and": "I do not like going to concerts, and he doesn't either."

Description

This quiz explores the nuances between verbs followed by infinitives and gerunds that have distinct meanings. You'll encounter verbs like remember, forget, regret, stop, and try, analyzing how the choice of form can change the sentence's intent. Test your understanding and improve your mastery of these important grammatical concepts.