Some verbs take infinitives (verb + to do). The following verbs are usually followed by infinitives.

Some verbs take an object and an infinitive e.g.

The committee considers her to be the best applicant for the job.

Other verbs like this include:

Some verbs take an object and a bare infinitive. (verb + object + do)

e.g. I heard an intruder enter the building last night.

Some verbs take gerunds (verb + doing)
e.g. She prefers teaching adults.

1. The verbs continue, begin, start and cease can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund with little difference in meaning.
   For example:
   It has started to rain/raining.
   The professor began to talk/talking.
   
   
2. The verbs like, love, prefer and hate can take either an infinitive or a gerund with a slight difference of meaning.
   For example:
   Do you like swimming? (as a hobby)
   I like to swim before breakfast. (a habit)
   
   
3. The verbs remember, regret, forget, try and stop take either an infinitive or a gerund, but this gives a different meaning.
   I remember taking the tablet this morning. (I know I took it.)
   Remember to lock the door when you go out! (Don’t forget to do it, in the future.)
   
   I regret selling the house (I am sorry I did it, in the past.)
   I regret to tell you that you have failed the test. (I am sorry now.)
   
   Try doing more exercise to lose weight. (Test out something to see if it helps.)
   He tried to reach the net, but was too short. (He attempted it.)
   
   He stopped to offer me a seat. (He stopped what he was doing to offer me a seat)
   The children stopped talking when the teacher entered. (The children were silent when the teacher entered.)

Some verbs are followed by an infinitive, some are followed by an object and an infinitive or bare infinitive and others are followed by a gerund. Put the following verbs into the right group.

Complete the sentences below with the correct forms of infinitive or –ing form.

1. The project involved going to the library and conducting research. (go)
2. I will never forget watching the sun rise from the top of the mountain. (watch)
3. I find it easy to get along with Phyllis. (get)
4. She couldn’t help feeling disappointed by the result. (feel)
5. The child denied taking the money. (take)
6. Please finish washing the dishes and come here. (wash)
7. I hope to join the air cadets next year. (join)
8. I overheard my parents talk talking about their financial problems. (talk)
9. The chef smelled something burning in the kitchen. (burn)
10. The customers kept complaining about the food. (complain)
11. Freddy burst out crying like a child. (cry)
12. Remember to pay the bill before you leave! (pay)