This document provides information on the use of infinitives and -ing forms after certain verbs and prepositions/adverbs in English. It discusses how infinitives are used to express reasons, purposes, plans and intentions. It also notes how -ing forms are used as subjects and after prepositions. The document highlights some verbs like try, stop, remember, forget, like that can take either infinitives or -ing forms but with subtle differences in meaning.

1. To + infinitive
Reason and purpose:

I went out to buy some milk
The airbag is there to protect you

After nouns

I've got a lot of work to do
I need a few days to relax

After certain adjectives:

To say what we think about what people do (stupid, kind,
clever...)
He was stupid to leave his wife

To describe feelings
I'm happy to see you

it+adjective+to infinitive
It's impossible to speak to him
The negative is not to

2. To + infinitive

“future” verbs: plan, intend, hope, expect

After certain verbs: agree, choose, learn, want, ...
The negative is not to

3. Infinitive without to

After modal verbs (can, should, must, etc)
You must give up smoking

After certain verbs (make, let...)

My parents made me eat fruit
They didn't let me eat between meals


4. -ing form

Subject of a sentence:
Swimming is a very good sport

After certain verbs (like/dislike, finish, practise, go...)
I don't mind doing the washing up

After prepositions & adverbs

Mike is good at speaking in public


Don't confuse like + -ing and would like to + inf

5. Infinitive or -ing form
with a difference in meaning
Try

+ infinitive: make an effort to do something
I tried to learn Russian but it was too difficult

+ -ing: experiment with a course of action
I tried opening the window but it was still too hot
Stop

+ infinitive: to finish one activity in order to start another one
I had been working all morning, so I stopped to go for a walk

+ -ing: to give up a habit or finish an activity
I stopped smoking some years ago

6. Infinitive or -ing form
with a difference in meaning
Remember

+ infinitive: remember that you have to do something
Remember to bring your homework on Monday

+ -ing: remember that you did something or that something
happened
I remember walking to school on winter mornings
Forget

+ infinitive: forget that you have to do something
I forgot to phone my sister on her birthday

+ -ing: forget that you did something or that something
happened

7. Infinitive or -ing form
with a difference in meaning
Like, love, etc

+ ing: stating preference
I love cycling to the beach on sunny days

+ infinitive: You think it is the correct/proper thing to do
I like to buy locally produced foods
See, hear...

+ing: action in progress
I saw them washing the car

+ infinitive: The whole process, from beginning to end
I saw them wash the car