Verb patterns

Verb patterns

Sometimes in a sentence, one verb follows another. For example:

• I want to buy a car

• I hate driving in the city centre

The verb patterns are dependent upon the first verb. There are several different types of pattern:

• Verb + to + verb

• Verb + verb + ing

• Verb + preposition + verb +ing

• Verb + object + verb

Verb + to + verb

• I want to work with Dr. Lever

• Helen has decided to go away

• 
  

• 
  

Verb + verb + ing

• I enjoy studying English

• She hates driving

Verb + preposition + verb +ing

• He specialises in helping children

• Michal is thinking about cooking dinner

Verb + object + verb

• Dad let me keep the cat

• She made me say sorry

Verbs with two patterns and different meanings

• I like to swim every day = I think it is a good idea to do this

• I like swimming every day = I enjoy the activity. It gives me pleasure

• I hate to tell you this = I am sorry to tell you this

• I hate flying = I do not like this activity