Verb forms following other verbs or phrases

The three forms of a verb and their meaning

When a verb follows a verb or verb phrase, how can we tell which form this verb takes? Are there any rules to help us decide? Here are some tips to help you think about this problem.

Tips

1. Realise the imperative nature of the bare infinitive. The infinitive without 'to'.

   If you say a bare infinitive, it is like a direct order to immediately take action.

   1. Run = Start running NOW!!.
   2. Stop = Stop what you are doing right now!

To regret

What do these sentences mean? What tenses are used?

1. He deeply regretted having sold the ring.
2. He deeply regretted selling the ring.
3. He deeply regretted that he had sold the ring.
4. He deeply regretted that he sold the ring.

To stop

1. He stopped to read, but continued on his way afer finishing the first chapter.
2. He stopped reading, (didn't continue to read), closed the book and continued on his journey.
3. "I stopped to talk in the classroom"
4. "I stopped their talking in the classroom" (He told students off, who were speaking in the classroom)
5. They stopped to look at her (stopped what they were doing and began looking at her).

To try

Try + gerund (several times or a more difficult and time consuming action)

1. Try standing up.
2. Try to phone Tracey - she might be at home. (perhaps you don't know her number.)
3. Try to stand up. try +infinitive - action occurring once (not necessarily difficult?)
4. I tried to turn the key. (once)
5. I tried to learn this poem.
6. I tried turning the key ( if not several times but it was an experiment?)
7. I tried learning this poem.

To begin

1. He began working for this company in 1995.
2. He began to work an hour ago.
3. She began crying (to cry). ( the subject is alive) (both variants?)
4. The temperature began to fall. (the subject is lifeless)

To prefer

1. prefer+ gerund (in general?)
   1. I prefer walking to cycling
   2. I prefer going by air.
2. prefer + infinitive(in particular, now?)
   1. I prefer to wait here
   2. I prefer to go by air.

propose

1. I propose waiting till the doctor gets here.
   Я предлагаю подождать, пока не придет доктор
2. I propose to start tomorrow.
   Я намереваюсь начать завтра.

Require

1. The house requires painting.
2. You are required to obey!
3. You are required to go there. (you are ordered?)

To intend

1. What do you intend to do about this?
2. I intended using the report as evidence to support my case.
3. We intended going to Rome.