Verb Patterns

Verb Patterns

Verb Pattern | Structure | Examples |
Verb+ infinitive | This is one of the most common verb combination forms. | I waited to begin dinner.
They wanted to come to the party.|
Verb+ verb ing | This is one of the most common verb combination forms. | They enjoyed listening to the music.
They regretted spending so much time on the project. |
verb +verb ing OR verbinfinitive - no change in meaning | Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. | She started to eat dinner. OR She started eatingdinner. |
Verb+ verb ing OR verb infinitive - change in meaning | Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms. However, with these verbs, there is a change in the basic meaning of thesentence. | They stopped speaking to each other. => They don't speak to each other anymore.
They stopped to speak to each other. => They stopped walking in order to speak to each other. || | |
verb object infinitive | This is the most common form when a verb is followed by both an object and a verb. | She asked her to find a place to stay.
They instructed them to open theenvelope. |
verb object base form (infinitive without 'to') | This form is used with a few verbs (let, help and make). | She made her finish her homework.
They let him go to the concert.
He helpedhim paint the house. |
verb object verb ing | This form is less common than verb object infinitive. | I observed them painting the house.
I heard her singing in the living room. |
verb objectclause with 'that' | Use this form for a clause beginning with 'that'. | She told him that she would worker harder.
He informed him that he was going to resign. |
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C. Theseare the most common of the verbs followed by a to-infinitive, with or without a noun.
Example
* I asked him to show me the book.
* I asked to see the book.
ask*
beg*
choose
dare...