VERB PATTERNS

VERB PATTERNS

VERB PATTERNS

Sometimes in a sentence, one verb follows another. For example, I want to buy an electric car. The first verb is 'want', the second verb is 'buy'. In sentences like this, there are different possible patterns. For example: (a) I want to buy an electric car. (b) I hate driving. In sentence A, the first verb is followed by an infinitive. In sentence B, the first verb is followed by a gerund (-ing) form. The verb patterns are dependent upon the first verb. There are several different types of pattern. When you learn a new verb, you need to learn the verb pattern. Unfortunately, some verbs have more than one possible pattern! Sometimes, if a verb has two patterns, each pattern can have a different meaning or use.

Here are examples of some of the patterns:

Verb + to + verb: These verbs all use this pattern: want, hope, decide, agree. I want to work with Dr. Laver. Tim hopes to leave the stockroom soon. Helen decided to go out with Michal. Alice might agree to change wards.

Verb + verb + ing: These verbs all use this pattern: enjoy, mind, consider. I enjoy working on the emergency ward. Alice doesn't mind working with children. Tim is considering changing his job.

Video

VERB PATTERNS

OTHER VERBS

SOME VERBS CAN BE FOLLOWED BY BOTH PATTERNS

VERB + -ING OR TO INFINITIVE

ENJOY, MIND, KEEP, ADMIT, RECOMMEND, SUGGEST ARE FOLLOWED BY A VERB+ING

WANT, HOPE, AGREE, OFFER, PROMISE, NEED, REFUSE, THREATEN, PLAN ARE FOLLOWED BY TO + INFINITIVE

START, BEGIN, CONTINUE

VERB PATTERNS

I tried to read some reviews online, but my internet conection wasn´t working = I attempted to read them

I tried reading some reviews online, but they didn´t help much. =I read them as an experiment

SOME VERBS CAN BE FOLLOWED BY BOTH PATTERNS, BUT THE MEANING CHANGED

TRY, FORGET, REMEMBER

VERB PATTERNS

I remember to book a table (=keep the plan in your memory)

I remember going there for the first time. (= I´m looking back at an earlier experience)

SOME VERBS CAN BE FOLLOWED BY BOTH PATTERNS, BUT THE MEANING CHANGED

TRY, FORGET, REMEMBER

THANKS!