REMEMBER and FORGET + Gerund or Infinitive – How does the meaning change?

What is the difference between I forgot to do it, I forgot doing it and I forgot do it?

The meaning of REMEMBER and FORGET changes depending on whether it is followed by the Gerund or Infinitive forms.

Be careful – using the wrong form gives the opposite meaning!

Take this Free Quiz + Lesson below to make sure you understand the difference between REMEMBER and FORGET with GERUND or INFINITIVE, and avoid saying the opposite of what you mean.

Now, please listen to this lesson to learn this grammar and never forget it!

REMEMBER AND FORGET

Here is Audio Word Study #106 from Jane Lawson at DailyStep.com

 

These two verbs have different meanings depending on whether they are followed by a GERUND or an INFINITIVE. Even very advanced English learners sometimes make mistakes with these verbs!

Take a look at these examples with the verb FORGET:

1. I forgot posting the birthday card to my mother so I was surprised when she called me to say thank you.

2. I forgot to post the birthday card to my mother so I apologised on the telephone when I called to wish her Happy Birthday.

In sentence 1, with FORGOT + GERUND, the actions happened in this order: First, I posted the birthday card but then second, I forgot that I had done it. So my mother received the card because I had posted it.

In sentence 2, with FORGOT + INFINITIVE the actions happened in this order: First, I forgot and second, I did not post the birthday card. So mother did not receive it on her birthday. 
 

The verb REMEMBER has the same grammar, as you can see here:

3. I remember telling him about the meeting, so I am surprised that he did not attend.

4. I’m glad I remembered to tell him about the meeting because it was important for him to attend.

In sentence 3, with REMEMBER + GERUND, it happened in this order: First, I told him about the meeting and then second, I remembered that I had done it.

In sentence 4, with REMEMBER + INFINITIVE, the order was as follows: First I remembered and second, I told him about the meeting. 

This is the grammar rule for REMEMBER and FORGET

REMEMBER / FORGET + GERUND means THE GERUND ACTION HAPPENS FIRST.

REMEMBER / FORGET + INFINITIVE means THE INFINTIVE ACTION HAPPENS SECOND.
 

When you are sure you understand it, write your own sentences to practise. That’s all for Audio Word Study # 106 from DailyStep.com.

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