verb + to or verb + ...ing

Verb + to or verb + -ing

1. verb + to

Some verbs require an infinitive in the complement.

(ex) He decided to study in USA.
(ex) How old were you when you learnt to play golf?

2. verb + ...ing

Some verbs require an -ing form in the complement.

(ex) Have you considered studying in another country?
(ex) I enjoyed talking with my friend.

Some verb phrases require an -ing form in the complement.

(ex) How about going to China when you get through studying?
(ex) I looked forward to meeting my old friend.

3. different meaning between to... and ...ing

When some verbs have a infinitive in the complement or have a ... ing form in the
complement, their meanings are different.

remember + ...ing	remember + to
I remember doing something = I did it and now I remember this	I remembered to do something = I remembered that I had to do it, and so I did it.

(ex) I remember paying an entrance fee. (= I paid it, and now I remember this)
(ex) Remember to do your homework. (= don't forget to do homework)

regret + ...ing	regret + to
I regret doing something = I did it and now I'm sorry about it	I regret to do something = I'm sorry that I have to do (say, tell, inform)

(ex) I regret buying a car. I should not have bought it.
(ex) We regret to inform you that you failed to enter university.

need + ...ing	need + to
Something needs doing = something needs to be done.	I need to do something = it is necessary for me to do it.

(ex) She needs to study harder if she wants to enter good university.
(ex) This room needs tidying.