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Verb Patterns

The document explains various verb patterns, which dictate the form that follows a verb rather than the timing of the action. It outlines different structures such as verb + to-infinitive, verb + -ing, and verb + object + to-infinitive, providing examples and common mistakes. Understanding these patterns is essential for learners to improve fluency, avoid errors, and communicate more naturally.

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1 views4 pages

Verb Patterns

The document explains various verb patterns, which dictate the form that follows a verb rather than the timing of the action. It outlines different structures such as verb + to-infinitive, verb + -ing, and verb + object + to-infinitive, providing examples and common mistakes. Understanding these patterns is essential for learners to improve fluency, avoid errors, and communicate more naturally.

Uploaded by

butterfly in the sky
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Verb Patterns

What are “verb patterns”


Verb patterns describe what form comes after a verb, not when the action
happens.
For example:
 I enjoy to watch movies.
 I enjoy watching movies.
Same tense — different pattern.

Verb + to-infinitive
Very common and generally easier for learners.
Typical verbs
 want to
 decide to
 hope to
 plan to
 need to
 try to
 agree to
Examples
 I decided to change my job.
 She hopes to study abroad.
Teaching tip: These verbs often talk about plans, intentions, or decisions.
Verb + -ing
This is where many mistakes happen.
Typical verbs
 enjoy
 avoid
 finish
 stop
 mind
 suggest
 recommend
Examples
 I enjoy learning English.
 He avoided answering the question.
Helpful rule:
If the verb talks about experience or feelings, it often takes -ing.

Verbs that can take both forms (with a change in meaning)


Key examples
 stop
o stop smoking = quit the habit
o stop to smoke = stop another action in order to smoke
 remember / forget
o remember meeting her (memory)
o remember to meet her (future action)
You don’t need many, just 2–3 clear ones is enough. Intransitive verbs
Verb + object + to-infinitive
This pattern helps learners make longer, more natural sentences.
Common verbs
 want
 ask
 tell
 help
 expect
 need
Examples
 She asked me to help her.
 My boss wants us to arrive early.
Common mistake:
 She asked me help
 She asked me to help

Verb + preposition + -ing


This is a big fluency booster and very common in real English.
Examples
 think about doing
 be good at doing
 interested in doing
 afraid of doing
Sentences:
 I’m thinking about changing jobs.
 He’s very good at explaining things.
This connects nicely to collocations and natural speech.
Verb + bare infinitive (no “to”)
You don’t need many — just the essentials.
Key verbs
 make
 let
 help (can be both)
Examples
 My teacher made us rewrite the essay.
 They let me leave early.

Why verb patterns matter


 Learners already know many verbs
 Verb patterns help them:
o avoid common mistakes
o sound more natural
o speak with more confidence
o understand why “correct” grammar still feels wrong

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