GERUND & INF = DIFFERENCE IN MEANING REMEMBER, REGRET, FORGET, STOP, TRY, MEAN, GO ON, COME, HELP

REMEMBER, REGRET & FORGET + TO INF = when the act comes first (‘I remember, then I do’)= acordarse de hacer algo. I remembered to lock the door, so don’t worry! (me acordé de cerrar la puerta, así que no te preocupes) + GERUND = when the act comes second (I do sth, then I remember about it) = acordarse haber hecho algo I don’t remember locking the door… Let’s go back and check! (No recuerdo haber cerrado la puerta… ¡volvamos a comprobar!) Notice that it’s the same: I don’t remember having locked the door.

REMEMBER, REGRET & FORGET I regret to inform you that you have failed your exam (first I regret, then I inform you) I regret saying what I said the other day… I’m really sorry. (I said something nasty, then I regret having done that). Don’t forget to pick the children up at school = remember to pick them up. I’ll never forget travelling to Africa with you. It was the most special moment in my life! = I’ll always remember the trip to Africa/travelling to Africa.

STOP + TO INF = Infinitive of purpose I saw a woman who was carrying many bags, so I stopped (whatever I was doing) to help her. (= in order to) + GERUND= when you finish doing an activity (not necessarily forever). She stopped smoking when she went into the hospital. After seeing the doctor, she was convinced to give it up.

TRY + TO INF = attempt + GERUND = experiment I tried to open the window, but it’s stuck! + GERUND = experiment A: It’s so hot in here! B: Why don’t you try opening the window?

MEAN + TO INF= intend + GERUND = involve I’ve been meaning to start my project, but I haven’t found time to do it! + GERUND = involve Changing jobs also meant changing house.

GO ON +TO INF = To do something new. After windsurf, he went on to learn karate. + GERUND = To continue an action in progress. I would like to go on living on Mallorca. I love the island!

COME + TO INF = a change in perception. + GERUND = movement I thought he was angry with me, but eventually I came to realize he was going through a serious depression. + TO INF = can also be an ‘inf. Of purpose’. I came to watch a movie with you (‘in order to) + GERUND = movement He came running to me to give me the good news.

HELP + TO INF/ BARE INF/ with + gerund = with actions, meaning ‘assist’. I helped to make dinner = I helped make the dinner= I helped with making the dinner. + can’t help + GERUND = reaction beyond the subject’s control. I can’t help laughing at the situation. Those kids are very naughty, but I can’t help loving them.