Essential English Grammar - Gerunds vs. Infinitives

No difference in meaning:

Either a gerund of an infinite can be the direct object after these verbs with no difference in meaning as in most cases.

attempt can't stand intend prefer begin continue like start can't bear/stand hate love

or any other verb phrasal, expression used as a verb with the same meaning.

• The baby began breathing after the doctor tickled her feet.
• The baby began to breath after the doctor tickled her feet.

You can use either a gerund or an infintive after the following verbs with no difference in meaning but when you use an infinite, you must give the verb a noun or pronoun object.

• Some airlines do not permit smoking.
• My parents do not permit me to smoke.

Differences in meaning:

Either the gerund of an infinitice can be the direct object after these verbs with a difference in meaning.

forget regret remember stop try

• She forgot to buy the milk yesterday [ She did not remember to buy the milk ]
• She forgot buying the milk yesterday [ She did not remember the fact that she had actually bought milk and forgotten about it ]

• I regret to tell you that you did not get the job [ I am sorry that I have to report the bad news that someone else got the job and you did not. ]
• I regret telling that lie. [ I am sorry about what I did and that was telling a lie. ]

You get the idea don't you?

This is not a perfect explanation but it will serve you far better than any large table in another blue book which will only confuse you and not make you better at using the English language.