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How do you understand? Changing Meaning through Verb Form
What's the difference between these two sentences?
I often forget to take letters to the post office.
I often forget taking letters to the post office.
In the first sentence, I often don't take letters to the post office. In the second sentence, I take the letters, but forget the experience.
I often forget to take letters to the post office.
I often forget taking letters to the post office.
In the first sentence, I often don't take letters to the post office. In the second sentence, I take the letters, but forget the experience.
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You are alert to see the meaning in difference.
The second sentence is different in meaning because it has the gerund - the 'ing' form of the verb used as a noun. It could be stated:
"I often forget the taking of letters to the post office."
Actually, many English speakers might confuse the meaning, even though it is correct.
The second sentence would be more clear as:
"When I take letters to the post office, I often forget that I have done it."
The second sentence is different in meaning because it has the gerund - the 'ing' form of the verb used as a noun. It could be stated:
"I often forget the taking of letters to the post office."
Actually, many English speakers might confuse the meaning, even though it is correct.
The second sentence would be more clear as:
"When I take letters to the post office, I often forget that I have done it."
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