Introduction to Verb Patterns
Verb patterns are specific structures that show how verbs can be used with other forms such as infinitives, gerunds, or other clauses. Understanding these patterns is crucial for mastering English grammar and sounding natural in both speaking and writing.
Many verbs in English have pattern restrictions, meaning they can only be followed by certain structures. For example, some verbs are always followed by the gerund (-ing form), while others are always followed by the to-infinitive. Some verbs can be followed by both forms, sometimes with little or no difference in meaning, and other times with a significant change in meaning.
Basic Verb Patterns
Verb + Infinitive
Some verbs are always or typically followed by the to-infinitive:
- Want: "I want to learn Spanish."
- Hope: "She hopes to get the promotion."
- Plan: "We plan to visit Paris next summer."
- Decide: "He decided to change his career."
- Promise: "They promised to help us."
- Refuse: "The manager refused to give a refund."
Verb + Gerund
These verbs are typically followed by the gerund (-ing form):
- Enjoy: "I enjoy reading historical novels."
- Mind: "Do you mind waiting a moment?"
- Practice: "She practices playing the piano every day."
- Suggest: "I suggest leaving early to avoid traffic."
- Consider: "They are considering buying a new house."
- Avoid: "He avoids eating spicy food."
Verb + Object + Infinitive vs. Verb + Gerund
Some verbs change pattern depending on whether they have an object:
Example: "I advise seeing a doctor" (without object)
Example: "I advise you to see a doctor" (with object)
Similar verbs include:
- Allow: "Smoking is not allowed" vs. "They don't allow people to smoke"
- Permit: "The permit doesn't allow fishing" vs. "The permit doesn't allow you to fish"
- Encourage: "Encourage learning" vs. "Encourage your children to read"
Verbs with Both Forms with Different Meanings
Some verbs can be followed by both infinitives and gerunds, but with changes in meaning:
| Verb pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Remember + -ing | "I remember locking the door." | Recall a past action |
| Remember + to | "Remember to lock the door." | Don't forget to do something |
| Stop + -ing | "He stopped smoking." | Quit a habit |
| Stop + to | "He stopped to smoke." | Pause to do something |
| Try + -ing | "Try using this method." | Experiment with something |
| Try + to | "Try to solve this problem." | Make an effort |
| Mean + -ing | "This means leaving early." | Involve or result in |
| Mean + to | "I didn't mean to offend you." | Intend |
Verbs Followed by That-clauses
Many verbs can be followed by a that-clause (a clause beginning with "that"):
- Think: "I think that she will win the competition."
- Believe: "They believe that the economy will improve soon."
- Say: "She said that she was tired."
- Know: "Everyone knew that the rumors were false."
- Suggest: "The doctor suggested that I rest."
- Hope: "She hopes that the weather will be nice."
Note: In informal English, the word "that" is often omitted in that-clauses:
"I think she will win the competition."
Complex Verb Patterns
More complex verb patterns include combinations with prepositions or multiple objects:
Verb + Preposition + Gerund
Some verbs are followed by a preposition and then a gerund:
- Look forward to: "I look forward to meeting you."
- Insist on: "He insisted on paying the bill."
- Apologize for: "She apologized for being late."
- Dream of: "They dream of traveling around the world."
- Worry about: "Don't worry about making mistakes."
- Succeed in: "She succeeded in solving the problem."
Verb + Object + Preposition + Gerund
- Accuse someone of: "They accused him of stealing."
- Blame someone for: "She blamed me for the failure."
- Congratulate someone on: "We congratulated her on getting the job."
- Warn someone against: "The doctor warned him against smoking."
- Thank someone for: "I want to thank you for helping me."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding verb patterns helps avoid common errors in English:
Incorrect: "I enjoy to play tennis."
Correct: "I enjoy playing tennis."
Incorrect: "She suggested to go to the cinema."
Correct: "She suggested going to the cinema."
Incorrect: "We plan visiting our grandparents."
Correct: "We plan to visit our grandparents."
Practical Tips for Mastering Verb Patterns
- Learn patterns, not just individual words: When learning a new verb, always learn what pattern it follows.
- Pay attention to context: Some verbs have different patterns depending on their meaning.
- Practice with examples: Create your own sentences using different verb patterns.
- Listen for patterns: When listening to native speakers, pay attention to how they use verbs.
- Use reference materials: Keep a dictionary handy that shows verb patterns.
Advanced Considerations
When writing formal English, verb patterns become especially important. Academic and professional writing often requires precise verb usage, and incorrect patterns can make your writing seem less credible or educated.
Additionally, understanding verb patterns is essential for more complex grammatical structures such as:
- Passive constructions: "He was seen to leave the building."
- Perfect infinitives: "She seems to have forgotten."
- Continuous infinitives: "He appears to be sleeping."
Conclusion
Mastering verb patterns is a key step in achieving fluency in English. While it may seem challenging at first to remember which verbs take which patterns, with practice and exposure, these patterns will become second nature. Pay attention to verb patterns when reading and listening, and practice using them in your own speaking and writing.
Remember that language is about communication, so while correct verb patterns are important, they shouldn't prevent you from expressing yourself. Native speakers will usually understand your meaning even if you make a pattern mistake, but using the correct patterns will make your English sound more natural and precise.
