GV

Verb Patterns

What follows verbs: verb + to, verb + -ing, verb + object + to

intermediate

When to Use Verb Patterns

  • •Verb + to-infinitive: want to go, decide to leave, hope to see.
  • •Verb + -ing: enjoy swimming, avoid making, finish eating.
  • •Verb + object + to-infinitive: want him to go, ask her to help.
  • •Verb + object + base verb: make him go, let her leave, help me carry.
  • •Some verbs take both with different meanings: stop to smoke vs stop smoking.

How to Form Verb Patterns

Affirmative (+)

Verb + pattern (to-infinitive, -ing, or object + infinitive)

Negative (-)

Verb + not + to-infinitive; Verb + not + -ing

Question (?)

Same patterns in questions

💡 Some verbs change meaning: remember to do (future) vs remember doing (past).

Examples of Verb Patterns

✓I enjoy reading.

✗I enjoy to read.

Enjoy is followed by -ing.

✓She wants me to help.

✗She wants that I help.

Want + object + to-infinitive.

✓He made me laugh.

✗He made me to laugh.

Make + object + base verb (no 'to').

Common Mistakes with Verb Patterns

💡 Practice Tips for Verb Patterns

  • • Verb + to: want, decide, hope, plan, agree, refuse, promise.
  • • Verb + -ing: enjoy, avoid, finish, suggest, mind, keep, consider.
  • • Verb + obj + to: want, ask, tell, expect, allow, encourage.
  • • Verb + obj + base: make, let, help (help can also use 'to').
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.I really enjoy   in the park on Sunday mornings.
  2. 2.She wants   at the new restaurant tonight.
  3. 3.He made me   the whole story again.
  4. Question 4: I suggested blank (go) to the beach instead of the museum.
    4.I suggested (go) to the beach instead of the museum.
  5. Question 5: She asked me blank (help) her move next weekend.
    5.She asked me (help) her move next weekend.
  6. Question 6: Please let me blank (know) when you arrive.
    6.Please let me (know) when you arrive.
  7. Question 7: We've decided blank (move) to Spain next year.
    7.We've decided (move) to Spain next year.
  8. Question 8: I avoid blank (drink) coffee after 3pm — it keeps me awake.
    8.I avoid (drink) coffee after 3pm — it keeps me awake.
  9. Question 9: He stopped blank (smoke) ten years ago — for his health.
    9.He stopped (smoke) ten years ago — for his health.
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