This document discusses the use of verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives in English. It provides lists of verbs that can be followed by gerunds or infinitives, noting that some verbs can take either but the meaning changes depending on which is used. Examples are given to illustrate the different meanings that can result from using a gerund or infinitive after certain verbs like "stop", "remember", "try", "regret", and "like". The document also notes other uses of gerunds as subjects or objects in sentences or after prepositions.

1. VERB + GERUND
In English we can sometimes use a verb
followed by a gerund:
Susan suggested going to the theatre.
Those verbs which are followed by a gerund
are:
avoid, suggest, mind, would mind, keep,
keep on, carry on, look forward to, enjoy,
can´t stand, admit, consider.

2. VERB + INFINITIVE
Or we may use a verb followed by an infinitive:
We decided to have a nice time playing
board games.
Those verbs which are followed by an infinitive
with to are:
wish, want, decide, agree, manage, expect,
hope, would like, refuse, ask, choose, offer,
promise, seem, appear, arrange, tell, allow,
need, use.
And make and let without to:
You make me feel nervous.

3. VERB + GER. or INF.
But we must take care with those verbs
which admit both a gerund or an
infinitive after them, but the meaning
changes.
Those verbs are:
stop/ finish; begin/ start; remember/
forget; try; regret; love/ like/ prefer/ hate;
go on/ continue.

4. The meaning changes:
• Stop + ger.: My father stopped smoking in
2005 (to stop an activity)
• Stop + inf.: We stopped to have a rest at a
petrol station (to stop so that you can do
something different; to stop for a specific reason)
• Remember + ger.: I can´t remember turning
off the lights (to remember what you did)
• Remember + inf.: I must remember to turn off
the lights (to remember what you have to do
later)

5. • Try + ger.: I told them to try playing different
version (to experiment or to try something
different)
• Try + inf.: They tried to find Josie´s mobile (to
make an effort)
• To regret + ger.: I regret spending all that money
(to feel sorry for something you did)
• To regret + inf.: I regret to tell you that your
father died in the accident (to regret to say
something unpleasant)
• Like + ger.: I like playing board games with my
friends (you like an activity and you do it)
• Like + inf.: I like you to come to Santander next
summer (you like the idea)

6. • We can also use the gerund as the subject
or the object in a sentence:
Running is good for your health. (subject)
My favourite exercise is running. (object)
• Or after a preposition:
Before opening the door, turn off the lights.
I´m afraid of flying.

7. • We can also use the gerund as the subject
or the object in a sentence:
Running is good for your health. (subject)
My favourite exercise is running. (object)
• Or after a preposition:
Before opening the door, turn off the lights.
I´m afraid of flying.