Verb + -ing or to... (remember/regret)

This lesson explains the difference between using verb + -ing (gerund) and verb + to + infinitive after the verbs remember and regret. These verbs change meaning depending on which form follows them.

• remember + to + infinitive → recall that you must do something (did it or must do it later).
• remember + -ing → recall a past action (you have a memory of doing it).
• regret + to + infinitive → used to announce bad news or apologize for something you are about to say.
• regret + -ing → express sorrow about a past action or decision.

Decide whether you talk about a memory of the past or an obligation/announcement:

• Use remember + -ing when you recall that you did something in the past: 'I remember meeting her at the conference.'
• Use remember + to + infinitive when you recall something you must do (or did do): 'Remember to submit the form.' / 'I remembered to submit the form.'
• Use regret + to + infinitive for formal announcements or apologies: 'We regret to announce...' or 'I regret to inform you...'.
• Use regret + -ing to say you're sorry about something that already happened: 'I regret telling him the secret.'

Think: -ing = memory/emotion about past; to = action to do or formal announcement.

Learners often confuse forms and meanings. Watch for these universal errors:

• Using -ing when you mean an obligation: incorrect → 'I remember sending the report tomorrow.'
• Using to + infinitive when you mean a past memory: incorrect → 'I remembered to meet her last year.' (if you mean you recall the meeting, use -ing)
• Mixing formal and informal registers: 'regret to inform' is formal — don't use it casually to mean 'I'm sorry I did something.'
• Forgetting that negative forms can change meaning: 'I regret not telling you' (sorrow about past inaction).

Ask yourself: Is this about a past memory or about doing/announcing something? That choice tells you which form to use.