Verb Patterns

What Are Verb Patterns?

Verb patterns describe how one verb is followed by another verb or structure in a sentence. In English, certain verbs are followed by specific forms, like the infinitive (to + verb), gerund (verb + ing), or just the base verb.

Common Types of Verb Patterns

1. Verb + infinitive (to + base verb)

Rule:
Some verbs are followed by an infinitive with “to.”

Common verbs:
want, hope, need, decide, plan, learn, agree, promise

Examples:

  • I want to eat pizza.

  • She decided to travel to Spain.

  • They hope to win the match.

2. Verb + -ing (gerund)

Rule:
Some verbs must be followed by a gerund (verb + ing).

Common verbs:
enjoy, finish, avoid, suggest, keep, mind, recommend

Examples:

  • I enjoy reading books.

  • He avoids eating junk food.

  • They suggest going to the beach.

3. Verb + object + infinitive

Rule:
Some verbs require an object before the infinitive.

Common verbs:
tell, ask, want, advise, remind, encourage, order

Examples:

  • She told him to study.

  • I want you to help me.

  • They asked us to wait.

4. Verb + object + -ing

(Used mostly with perception and causative verbs)

Rule:
Some verbs allow the object + gerund pattern.

Common verbs:
imagine, catch, find, hear, see, watch, notice

Examples:

  • I caught him stealing my phone.

  • We saw them dancing.

  • She found her brother crying.

5. Verb + base verb (without “to”)

Rule:
After modal verbs and certain causative/perception verbs, use the base form of the verb (without “to”).

Common verbs:
can, could, must, should, will, let, make, help

Examples:

  • You must go now.

  • They can swim well.

  • She made me cry.

  • He let me drive his car.

Note: “Help” can be followed by to + verb or just the base verb:

  • She helped me cook / helped me to cook

Special Case: Verbs with Different Meanings Based on the Pattern

Some verbs can be followed by either infinitive or -ing, but the meaning changes:

Verb + to + verb (infinitive) + verb-ing (gerund)
remember Remember to do something (future) Remember doing something (past memory)
stop Stop in order to do something Stop an activity completely
try Attempt to do something Experiment with an action
forget Forget to do something Forget you did something

Examples:

  • I remember to call her. (I still have to call)

  • I remember calling her. (I already called)

  • He stopped to smoke. (He paused to smoke)

  • He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking)

  • Try to fix the TV. (Make an effort)

  • Try adding more salt. (See if it helps)

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