Verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or gerund with or without changing the meaning. Some verbs change meaning depending on whether an infinitive or gerund is used, such as verbs of liking which use a gerund for general likes and infinitive for specific moments. The tense of the verb also impacts whether an infinitive or gerund is used, with past tense often using gerunds and other tenses using infinitives. Certain time-related verbs like remember, forget, and regret take either an infinitive or gerund depending on whether the action follows or precedes the verb.

1. VERBS+ INFINITIVE OR GERUND WITH OR WITHOUT CHANGING MEANINGS

2. Verbs followed both by infinitive and gerund with or without a change of meaning With no change of meaning Begin/start (cf. stop, finish, keep) Continue (but use "keep" + gerund, better) And we started to laugh And we started laughing With a change of meaning Verbs of likes and dislikes like, don't like, enjoy, love, hate ... Special cases: prefer, fancy ... General likes (with present tenses): gerund A like in a specific moment (with would ): infinitive I prefer going I love going to the movies I'd love to go to the movies this evening!

3. Time involved When the action following the verb happens/ed before the verb: gerund When the action following the verb happens/ed after the verb: infinitive Remember : Hey, remember to post this! I remember climbing trees when I was a child. Forget : I forgot to bring my keys. Don't forget to get some drinks. Regret : I regret to inform you that there is a delay. I regret buying these boots -- they really hurt! Stop Pause, cease momentarily: infinitive Stop for good, quit: gerund On our way, we stopped to have sth to eat Stop shouting! Try Make an attempt (intentar): infinitive Experiment (probar a): gerund I tried to fix it, but had to call a mechanic Try taking a couple of aspirins (giving advice)