Verb Patterns
What Is It?
Verb Patterns refers to the complements different verbs require, such as gerund, infinitive, object, or clause.
B1-B2 reference topic in Verb-Related Topics.
Why Use It?
- Choose the correct form after common verbs.
- Avoid translation-based errors.
- Read dictionaries and grammar notes efficiently.
Formation and Patterns
| Use | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Gerund | enjoy/avoid/finish + V-ing | I avoided making the same mistake. |
| Infinitive | decide/hope/agree + to + V | They agreed to meet online. |
| Object + infinitive | want/ask/tell + object + to + V | She asked me to repeat it. |
Common Mistakes
- Using one pattern for every verb.
- Omitting required objects after tell, invite, or remind.
- Missing meaning changes with stop, remember, forget, and try.
Exceptions & Nuances
- Verb patterns are lexical; keep a personal list of verbs that surprise you.