Grammar VIII

Infinitive and Gerund

Gerund (verb-ing)

After prepositions before, after, without, ...	Before rejecting our offer, consider the alternatives.
As a subject	Finding the right solution is never easy.
After some phrases (it's no use, it's no good, be used to, look forward to,...)	It's no good trying to sell it now.
After a group of verbs followed by the gerund	I can't risk losing my job.
After How about..., I suggest...	How about meeting tomorrow? I suggest adding a clause to the contract.

Infinitives (to verb):

Speaking about goals/aims/objectives	Let's shake hands to show that we agree. Our goal / aim / objective is to get results.
After some adjectives (difficult, (un)able, easy, happy, surprised, (un)willing)	We're unable to reach agreement.
After a group of verbs followed by the infinitive	We've decided not to accept your offer. I strongly advise you to consider this option.
After some nouns (attempt, chance, effort, failure, need, opportunity, reason)	We must make an effort to solve the problem.

begin / continue / intend / start + verb-ing = begin / continue / intend / start + to verb

stop / remember / try + verb-ing ≠ stop / remember / try + to verb:

Example:

He stopped to look at the stand. = He stopped because he wanted to look at the stand.

Example:

He stopped looking at the stand. = He didn't look at the stand any more.