verb + ing, verb + infinitive, verb + that clause
The tables show the main patterns used for over 400 of the most common verbs when one verb follows another. They also list verbs which can commonly be followed by a that clause, as well as one or two other patterns.
- verb + to-infinitive
- verb + to-infinitive
- verb + obj + to-infinitive
- Verb + obj + bare infinitive
- verb + -ing form
- verb + -ing form
- verb + obj (or possessive) + -ing form
- verb + obj + -ing form
- verb + to-infinitive or -ing form
- with no difference in meaning
- with little difference in meaning
- with a difference in meaning
- infinitive variations
- verb + for + obj + to-infinitive
- verb + infinitive / perfect infinitive
- verb + bare infinitive
- verbs that take a that clause
- verb + that + clause
- verb + obj + that + clause
- verb + that + obj + (should) + bare infinitive
- verbs that can take a wh-word + to-infinitive or clause
- verb + wh-word + to-infinitive / clause
- verb + verb + obj + wh-word + to-infinitive / clause
- verb + whether + to-infinitive / clause
- constructions with prepositions
- verb + preposition + -ing
- verb + preposition + subj + -ing
- verb + obj + preposition + -ing
Update 4/1/2015 - I've added a couple of extra categories :
- Verb + object + to be sth (to have done sth)
- Verb + object + sb/sth (object complement)
- Verb + two objects - indirect object + direct object
You can also look at individual verbs to see the different ways they can be used.
Related quizzes
You can practise verb patterns with some quizzes here
| Select a verb from the list on the left and see how it is used |
Sources
These lists have been compiled from various sources: from the following books and from the links below
- Grammar and Vocabulary for Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency Side and Wellman (Longman)
- Advanced Grammar in Use - Martin Hewings (Cambridge)
- Practical English Usage Michael Swan (Oxford)
- Business Grammar Builder
- Advanced English Practice BD Graver (Oxford)
Links
- BBC The Flatmates
- BBC The Flatmates - different meanings
- British Council Learn English - verbs followed by an infinitive
- British Council Learn English - verbs followed by -ing forms
- British Council Learn English - that-clauses
- English Page
Growing up speaking English as my native language, I don't often consider the grammatical structure and use of my words. This is a great article to outline and list verbs. It is only when trying to speak another language that I consider these things. http://eslgold.com/grammar/verb_list.html
ReplyDeleteA verb is a word that describes an action or occurrence or indicates a state of being.Know about the types of verbs with examples. @ http://www.englishleap.com/grammar/verbs
ReplyDelete