Understanding Advanced Verb Patterns

Advanced verb patterns are combinations of verbs followed by specific structures, such as infinitives, gerunds, objects, or clauses. Learning these patterns helps you use English more naturally and accurately.

What Are Verb Patterns?

A verb pattern shows what form comes after a verb. Some verbs are followed by to + infinitive, some by verb + -ing, and others require an object before the next verb.

Examples:

She decided to study abroad.
He enjoys playing football.
They encouraged me to apply for the job.

Common Advanced Verb Patterns

1. Verb + To Infinitive

Some verbs are followed by to + base verb.

Verb	Example
agree	She agreed to help me.
decide	They decided to move abroad.
manage	He managed to finish the task.
refuse	She refused to answer the question.

2. Verb + Gerund (-ing)

Some verbs are followed by the -ing form.

Verb	Example
avoid	He avoided talking about the problem.
consider	She is considering changing her job.
suggest	They suggested taking a break.
recommend	I recommend visiting this place.

3. Verb + Object + To Infinitive

Some verbs need an object before to + verb.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + To Infinitive

The teacher encouraged students to practice.
She asked him to help her.
They advised me to wait.

Common Verbs With Object + To Infinitive

allow
ask
encourage
expect
invite
tell
want

4. Verb + Object + Base Verb

Some verbs are followed by an object and the base form of the verb without to.

Common verbs:

make
let
help

Examples:

The movie made me cry.
My parents let me choose.
She helped me complete the project.

5. Verb + That Clause

Some verbs are followed by a clause beginning with that.

She believes that he is honest.
They explained that the meeting was canceled.
I hope that you understand.

6. Verbs With Different Meanings

Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or infinitive.

Pattern	Meaning	Example
remember + gerund	Remember a past action	I remember meeting him.
remember + infinitive	Remember something you need to do	Remember to call her.
stop + gerund	Quit an activity	He stopped smoking.
stop + infinitive	Pause to do something	He stopped to smoke.

Common Mistakes With Verb Patterns

Incorrect	Correct
She suggested to go home.	She suggested going home.
He decided going early.	He decided to go early.
They made me to laugh.	They made me laugh.

Advanced Verb Patterns Exercises

Complete the sentences with the correct form:

She decided _____ (learn) a new language.
They suggested _____ (visit) the museum.
The manager asked him _____ (complete) the report.
I remember _____ (meet) her for the first time.

Advanced Verb Patterns Summary

Verb patterns show what structure follows a verb.
Some verbs are followed by infinitives, while others use gerunds.
Some verbs require an object before another verb.
Learning verb patterns helps you communicate more naturally in English.