Verb patterns changing meaning

I tried ______ him, but he didn’t answer.

• to call

• calling

Answer explanation

"Try + infinitive" means making an effort to do something. He made the effort to call, but didn’t succeed.

She stopped ______ because her phone rang.

• to work

• working

Answer explanation

"Stop + infinitive" means pausing one activity to do another. She stopped working in order to answer the phone.

I remembered ______ the lights before leaving.

• to turn off

• turning off

Answer explanation

"Remember + infinitive" means you remembered before doing something — you didn’t forget to turn off the lights.

Don’t forget ______ the email before 5 PM.

• to send

• sending

Answer explanation

"Forget + infinitive" is used for tasks or duties you might not do — don't forget to send it.

He tried ______ the window, but it was stuck.

• to open

• opening

Answer explanation

"Try + gerund" means you're experimenting to see if something works. He experimented by opening the window.

I stopped ______ coffee last year.

• to drink

• drinking

Answer explanation

"Stop + gerund" means you quit or gave up that activity. The person quit drinking coffee.

Please remember ______ your homework!

• to do

• doing

Answer explanation

A reminder to do something in the future = "remember + infinitive."

I’ll never forget ______ in Paris for the first time.

• to be

• being

Answer explanation

"Forget + gerund" talks about a past experience that left a strong memory — being in Paris.

If you're tired, try ______ a nap for 20 minutes.

• to take

• taking

Answer explanation

"Try + gerund" suggests a possible solution. Taking a nap might help, so try it!

They stopped ______ when they heard a strange noise.

• to talk

• talking

Answer explanation

They paused walking (or another activity) in order to talk. That’s "stop + infinitive."