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Verb Patterns refer to the structures that follow certain verbs in a sentence. This guide explains what verb patterns are, the most common types, and how to use them accurately in IELTS or English grammar.

1. What Are Verb Patterns?

Verb Patterns describe the form of the second verb that appears in a sentence. In English, some verbs are followed by to + infinitive, while others take the verb + -ing form.

Examples:

  • I want to go to the supermarket.

  • I love eating ice cream.

As seen above, the form of the second verb depends on the first verb. Different verbs require different verb patterns depending on their meaning and usage.

2. Common Verb Patterns in English

2.1. Verb + to-infinitive

Some verbs are followed by a to-infinitive without an object.

Common verbs:

  • agree, aim, appear, arrange, attempt, be able, be likely, claim, decide, deserve, fail, hope, learn, manage, offer, plan, seem, tend, try, want, promise, refuse, dare, choose

Examples:

  • How do you manage to stay so slim?

  • You don’t deserve to be in love.

2.2. Verb + Object + to-infinitive

Some verbs require an object before the to-infinitive.

Common verbs:

  • advise, allow, encourage, force, get, persuade, remind, teach, tell, warn

Example:

  • She persuaded her friend to join the hiking trip.

2.3. Verb (+ preposition) + verb-ing

Certain verbs are followed by a gerund (verb-ing), especially when preceded by a preposition (except "to").

Common verbs:

  • avoid, approve of, can’t help, can’t stand, carry on, consider, deny, don’t mind, enjoy, feel like, finish, give up, imagine, include, insist on, resist, involve, keep, mention, think of/about, put off, recommend, practise

Examples:

  • We have practiced handling animals.

  • I was thinking about doing another course.

3. Verbs with More Than One Verb Pattern

3.1. Verbs With No Significant Meaning Change

These verbs can be followed by either to-infinitive or verb-ing without changing the overall meaning:

  • attempt, begin, continue, like, love, prefer, bother, hate, start

3.2. Verbs With Meaning Differences Between Forms

Some verbs change in meaning depending on whether they are followed by to-infinitive or verb-ing:

Verb

To-infinitive

Meaning

Verb-ing

Meaning

go on

Begin a new action

Continue the same action

remember

Remember to do something (before action)

Remember doing something (after action)

forget

Forget to do something (action did not happen)

Forget doing something (action happened)

try

Make an effort to do something

Experiment with an action

need

Used in active voice

Used in passive meaning

stop

Stop one action to do another

Stop an action completely

Examples:

  • She went on to explore other careers.

  • I remember going through a forest.

  • He forgot visiting that town.

  • You must try to learn from mistakes.

  • The car needs servicing.

4. Negative Forms of Verb Patterns

To form a negative, insert “not” after the first verb:

Examples:

  • I will try not to arrive late.

  • I enjoy not getting up early.

5. Verb Patterns Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the correct form of the verb.

  1. She enjoys __________ books in her free time. (read)

  2. They promised __________ to the party. (come)

  3. I want __________ you a story. (tell)

  4. He needs __________ his car before the trip. (check)

  5. I have been considering __________ to a new city. (move)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct verb form.

  1. They remembered __________ their umbrellas. (to bring / bringing)

  2. He stopped __________ and watched a movie. (to relax / relaxing)

  3. I need __________ my friend. (to call / calling)

  4. She tried __________ the leaky faucet. (to fix / fixing)

  5. Don’t forget __________ your email. (to check / checking)

  6. The plants need __________ regularly. (to water / watering)

  7. He went on __________ late into the night. (to study / studying)

  8. Please remember __________ the lights. (to turn off / turning off)

  9. The chef tried __________ a new dish. (to create / creating)

  10. I need __________ new clothes. (to buy / buying)

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. reading

  2. to come

  3. to tell

  4. to check

  5. moving

Exercise 2:

  1. to bring

  2. to relax

  3. to call

  4. to fix

  5. to check

  6. watering

  7. studying

  8. to turn off

  9. creating

  10. to buy

Master Verb Patterns with IDP

Now that you understand the difference between to-infinitive and verb-ing, you can apply these patterns accurately in your IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks. With consistent practice, you’ll improve both fluency and grammatical range.

At IDP, you can choose computer-delivered IELTS tests based on your learning style and preferences. To prepare confidently, you can try our free IELTS mock tests—either at our test centers or from the comfort of your home.

Choose your test date and register for IELTS with IDP today!

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About this Article

Published on 20 November, 2023

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục