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.
She enjoys __________ books in her free time. (read)
They promised __________ to the party. (come)
I want __________ you a story. (tell)
He needs __________ his car before the trip. (check)
I have been considering __________ to a new city. (move)
Exercise 2: Choose the correct verb form.
They remembered __________ their umbrellas. (to bring / bringing)
He stopped __________ and watched a movie. (to relax / relaxing)
I need __________ my friend. (to call / calling)
She tried __________ the leaky faucet. (to fix / fixing)
Don’t forget __________ your email. (to check / checking)
The plants need __________ regularly. (to water / watering)
He went on __________ late into the night. (to study / studying)
Please remember __________ the lights. (to turn off / turning off)
The chef tried __________ a new dish. (to create / creating)
I need __________ new clothes. (to buy / buying)
Answers:
Exercise 1:
reading
to come
to tell
to check
moving
Exercise 2:
to bring
to relax
to call
to fix
to check
watering
studying
to turn off
creating
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.
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