Grammar B2 - Infinitive vs Gerund

Here is a summary of how specific verbs change meaning depending on whether they are followed by an infinitive ("to do") or a gerund ("-ing"):

• Memory Verbs ("Remember" / "Forget"): Using the infinitive form means looking forward at a mental checklist to complete a future obligation (e.g., "remember to lock the door"). Using the "-ing" form means looking backward and playing a memory of a past event in your head (e.g., "remember locking the door").
• "Stop": Using "stop to do" implies interrupting a movement or journey for the purpose of completing another action (e.g., stopping your walk to buy a coffee). Using "stop doing" focuses on the action itself ending or quitting a habit (e.g., stopping the habit of buying coffee completely).
• "Try": Using "try to do" implies a difficult action involving physical effort, exertion, or potential failure (e.g., trying to lift a car). Using "try doing" implies experimentation where the action itself is easy to carry out, but the outcome is unknown (e.g., trying hitting a broken TV to see if it fixes the picture).