Verb Patterns

Description


Sometimes in a sentence, one verb follows another. For example, I want to buy an electric car. The first verb is 'want', the second verb is 'buy'.
In sentences like this, there are different possible patterns. For example:
(a) I want to buy an electric car.
(b) I hate driving.
In sentence A, the first verb is followed by an infinitive.
In sentence B, the first verb is followed by a gerund (-ing) form.
The verb patterns are dependent upon the first verb. There are several different types of pattern. When you learn a new verb, you need to learn the verb pattern. Unfortunately, some verbs have more than one possible pattern! Sometimes, if a verb has two patterns, each pattern can have a different meaning or use.

Here are examples of some of the patterns: 

·         Verb+to+verb:


These verbs all use this pattern: want, hope, decide, agree.
I want to work with Dr. Laver.
Tim hopes to leave the stockroom soon.
Helen decided to go out with Michal.
Alice might agree to change wards.

·         Verb+to+ing:


These verbs all use this pattern: enjoy, mind, consider.
I enjoy working on the emergency ward.
Alice doesn't mind working with children.
Tim is considering changing his job.

·         Verb+preposition+verb+ing:


These verbs all use this pattern: specialise, think.
He specialises in helping children.
Michal is thinking about cooking dinner.

·         Verb+object+ing:


These verbs all use this pattern: let, make.
Dad let me keep the cat.
She made me say sorry.

·         Verbs with two patterns and different meanings:


These verbs have two possible patterns, and there is a difference in meaning between the patterns: like, hate, regret.
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
I regret to tell you this - I am sorry to tell you this
I regret leaving London - I left London in the past, and I am sorry that I did that

In the next picture there is a diagram whit a simple example of some verb patterns:


Finally I leave you a video whit a better explanation of verb patterns: 



Referencias Web:

  • http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/english-verb-patterns.html
  • http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode30/languagepoint.shtml
  • http://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/gramatica/gramatica-britanica/verb-patterns/verb-patterns-verb-infinitive-or-verb-ing


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