When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To forget (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to forget" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't want to forget to bring my umbrella.
Forgetting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "forgetting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Forgetting important details can lead to trouble.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To forget (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To forget is human.
To forget is human.
- "*To forget*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (human).
- 2Object
She reminded me to forget about the meeting.
She reminded me to forget about the meeting.
- "Me *to forget* about the meeting" is the object of the verb "reminded."
- Noun (She) + verb (reminded) + noun phrase (me *to forget* about the meeting).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a reminder to forget his worries.
He needs a reminder to forget his worries.
- "*To forget* his worries" modifies the noun "reminder."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reminder *to forget* his worries).
Forgetting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Forgetting is a common occurrence.
Forgetting is a common occurrence.
- "*Forgetting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common occurrence).
- 2Object
I regret forgetting to lock the door.
I regret forgetting to lock the door.
- "*Forgetting* to lock the door" is the object of the verb "regret."
- Noun (I) + verb (regret) + gerund (*forgetting* to lock the door).
- 3Object of Preposition
She apologized for forgetting her friend's birthday.
She apologized for forgetting her friend's birthday.
- "For *forgetting* her friend's birthday" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (apologized) + noun phrase (for *forgetting* her friend's birthday).
Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects
The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects
Example
She plans to forget about her problems and enjoy her vacation.
They hope to forget their past mistakes and move forward.
He wants to forget about the argument and make peace.
We decided to forget about the past and focus on the future.
They agreed to forget their differences and work together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
I don't like forgetting important appointments.
He started forgetting his passwords frequently.
They began forgetting their childhood memories.
She can't remember forgetting to turn off the lights.
Can you help me in forgetting my ex?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to forget about this stressful day. I would like forgetting about this stressful day.
He started to forget his past mistakes. He started forgetting his past mistakes.
They began to forget their worries. They began forgetting their worries.
