The sentence

Verb + to- or ‘-ing’: some changes in meaning: ‘I love to read/reading’
We can use to or –ing after: dread, hate, like, love and prefer. Sometimes there is a
difference in meaning and sometimes there isn’t. generally, the –ing form refers to a
situation ‘in general’ and the to-infinitive refers to a future event:
1a. I love/like watching TV. 1b. I love/like to watch TV. (same meaning)
2a. I hate disturbing you. (in general) 2b. I hate to disturb you. (but I’m going to)
3a. I dread visiting the dentist. (in general)
3b. I dread to think about what has happened. (so I try not to) (Not *I dread thinking*)
4a. I prefer walking to cycling. (in general) 4b. I prefer to wait here. (now)
5a. I’d love sailing if I could afford it. (in general)
5b. I’d love to sail if I could afford it. (at some time in the future)
Verb + to- or ‘-ing’: different meanings: ‘remember to post/posting’
The to-infinitive and –ing never mean the same when used after these verbs:
remember, forget, regret, try, stop, go on.
1. To refers to the present or future and –ing refers to the past in:
Remember to post my letter. I remember posting your letter.
You mustn’t forget to ask. Have you forgotten meeting me years ago?
I regret to say I feel ill. I regret saying what I said.
We can also refer to the ‘future seen from the past’: I remembered to post your letter.
2. Try to (= make an effort): Try to understand.
Try + -ing (= experiment): Try holding your breath for more a minute.
3. Stop to (= infinitive of purpose): We stopped to buy a paper.
Stop + -ing: Stop shouting.
4. Go on + to (+ do something different): We went on to discuss finance.
Go on + -ing (= continue): Go on talking.
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