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Verb Patterns Level b1+

The document explains various verb patterns, highlighting how some verbs can stand alone while others require objects, prepositions, or clauses. It also differentiates between the use of gerunds (-ing form) and infinitives (to-verb), noting their subtle differences in meaning and usage. Additionally, it lists specific verbs that are typically followed by either gerunds or infinitives, including those that change meaning based on the form used.

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31 views

Verb Patterns Level b1+

The document explains various verb patterns, highlighting how some verbs can stand alone while others require objects, prepositions, or clauses. It also differentiates between the use of gerunds (-ing form) and infinitives (to-verb), noting their subtle differences in meaning and usage. Additionally, it lists specific verbs that are typically followed by either gerunds or infinitives, including those that change meaning based on the form used.

Uploaded by

heyimginasf2002
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Verb Patterns

Refer to what follows a verb:

A) some verbs can stand alone, (They laughed).


B) Others have to be followed by an object (They loved it).
C) Other verbs are followed by objects + prepositions (Put it on the
table),
D) or verbs in other forms (I hate waiting, I prefer to walk),
E) or by a clause (They told us to wait. He told us (that) we were
wrong. She agreed to come. We agreed (that) it was better).

The meaning of the verb is often in the whole pattern, not just in the
verb.
Infinitives (to -verb) & Gerunds (ing- verb)

There is a very small difference in meaning between the two forms. However:

a) The -ing form emphasises the action or experience.


b) The to-infinitive gives more emphasis to the results of the action or event.

a) We often use the -ing form to suggest enjoyment (or lack of it), and
b) the to-infinitive form to express habits or preferences.
Verbs that are normally followed by
the -ing form (gerunds)
Verbs that are normally followed by
the -ing form (gerunds)
Verbs that are normally followed by
the -ing form (gerunds)
Verbs that are normally followed by
the -to form (infinitive)
Verbs that are normally followed by
the -to form (infinitive)
Verbs that are normally followed by
the -to form (infinitive)
Verbs that follow the -to form (infinitive)
and the -ing form (gerund)
with little or no change of meaning
Verbs that follow the -to form (infinitive)
and the -ing form (gerund)
with change of meaning
Verbs that follow the -to form (infinitive)
and the -ing form (gerund)
with change of meaning
Verbs that need an object before the -to
form (infinitive)

warn
Verbs after a preposition take
the –ing form (gerund)

•after
After having a shower, I waited for Steven.

•before
The tablet must not be taken before getting up in the morning.

•by
I manage it by working much longer than 40-hour weeks.

•in spite of
In spite of studying a lot he didn't pass the exams.

•on
What was her reaction on hearing the news?

•without
He told the joke without laughing.
Verbs after a preposition take
the –ing form (gerund)

•afraid of
They are afraid of losing the match.

•angry about/at
Pat is angry about walking in the rain.

•bad at/good at
John is good at working in the garden.

•crazy about
The girl is crazy about playing tennis.

•disappointed about/at
He is disappointed about seeing such a bad
report.
Verbs after a preposition take
the –ing form (gerund)
•agree with
I agree with playing darts.

•apologize for
They apologize for being late.

•believe in
She doesn't believe in getting lost in the wood.
•dream about/of
•complain about Sue dreams of being a pop star.
She complains about bullying.
•feel like
They feel like going to bed.

•get used to
You must get used to working long hours.

•insist on
•The girls insisted on going out with Mark.
Would + hate, like, love, prefer

When we use would or ’d with hate, like, love, prefer,


we use the to-infinitive, not the -ing form:

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