The two examples you gave are indeed different in meaning just as other verbs such as "remember to +V" as opposed to "remember + V+ing" or the verb "stop" with either gerund or an infinitive. The verbs "like, love, can't stand, hate, prefer, start, etc" have the same meanings with either gerund or infinitive. Dalia ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard Veit <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 9:15 PM Subject: Re: <no subject> > I agree that both the infinite and gerund are objects (noun phrases): "I've > tried to improve...," "I've tried improving...." Curiously, however, I > don't read them as synonymous. > > I read the gerund sentence "I've tried Xing" as meaning I actually did it > but wasn't pleased with the results: "I've tried sleeping with a night > light, but I was scared anyway." > > I read the infinitive sentence "I've tried to X" as meaning I tried but did > not necessarily succeed in doing it: "I've tried to overcome my fear of > snakes." > > That difference isn't there with other verbs: "I like surfing," "I like to > surf." On the other hand, there is a difference between "I'd like surfing" > and "I'd like to surf." The former is a hypothetical consideration, while > the latter is expressing an actual desire. Anyone have thoughts on these? > > Dick Veit > > At 03:47 PM 8/2/2001, Dalia Stein wrote: > >It is a noun and the object of the verb just as a gerund can be the object > >of the verb "try" : I've tried improving my grades, but haven't succeeded > >yet. > > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: > http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html > and select "Join or leave the list" > > Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/