Verb Patterns in English: Types, Rules, and Examples

Verb patterns in English are important grammar structures that help us use verbs correctly in sentences. Some verbs are followed by infinitives, while others require gerunds, objects, or clauses. For example, we say “I want to learn English” but “I enjoy learning English.” Understanding these differences helps you avoid common grammar mistakes.

Different verbs follow different patterns depending on their meaning and grammatical function. For example, the verb decide is usually followed by a to-infinitive, while avoid is followed by a gerund (-ing form). Some verbs, such as remember and stop, can take both forms, but their meanings may change.

In this guide, you will learn the most common verb patterns in English, including their structures, rules, and examples. You will also discover which verbs are followed by gerunds and infinitives, how objects fit into verb patterns, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you will be able to use these patterns more confidently in everyday speaking and writing.

What Are Verb Patterns in English?

Verb patterns in English are grammatical structures that show how a verb combines with other words in a sentence. These words may include nouns, pronouns, gerunds (-ing forms), infinitives, or clauses. Each verb follows particular patterns that determine how it can be used correctly.

For example, some verbs are followed by a to-infinitive, while others are followed by a gerund.

• I want to learn English. (Verb + to-infinitive)

• She enjoys reading books. (Verb + gerund)

• They asked him to wait. (Verb + object + to-infinitive)

• He gave me a book. (Verb + indirect object + direct object)

• I believe that she is right. (Verb + that-clause)

In these examples, the main verbs follow different grammatical structures. Understanding these patterns helps you choose the correct words after a verb and form meaningful sentences.

Basic Structure of Verb Patterns

A verb pattern describes the grammatical elements that can follow a verb. Common structures include:

Some verbs can follow more than one pattern. For example, start can be followed by either a gerund or a to-infinitive:

• She started working.

• She started to work.

Both sentences are grammatically correct and have nearly the same meaning.

However, not all verbs allow both patterns. For example, enjoy is normally followed by a gerund, not a to-infinitive.

• Correct: I enjoy learning English.

• Incorrect: I enjoy to learn English.

Learning these differences is essential for using English verbs accurately.

Why Are Verb Patterns Important?

Verb patterns are important because they help English learners understand how verbs work with other words in sentences. Using the correct verb pattern makes sentences grammatically accurate, clear, and natural. These patterns are especially useful when speaking, writing, and learning new vocabulary.

Here are the main reasons why learning verb patterns is important.

1. Improve Grammar Accuracy

Different English verbs follow different grammatical structures. Understanding these patterns helps you choose the correct form of a verb.

For example:

• Correct: She enjoys reading books.

• Incorrect: She enjoys to read books.

• Correct: He decided to study abroad.

• Incorrect: He decided studying abroad.

2. Build Correct Sentences

Verb patterns help you understand which words can follow a verb. Some verbs need objects, while others are followed by infinitives, gerunds, or clauses.

For example:

• She wants to travel.

• He asked me to help.

• They gave us some advice.

Each sentence follows a particular verb pattern.

3. Improve Speaking and Writing Skills

Using verb patterns correctly makes your English sound more natural. Instead of translating sentences directly from your first language, you can use common English structures.

For example:

• I look forward to meeting you.

• She suggested taking a break.

• We agreed to work together.

These structures are commonly used in everyday conversations and written English.

4. Avoid Common Grammar Mistakes

Many English learners confuse gerunds and infinitives or forget to include an object after certain verbs. Learning verb patterns helps prevent these mistakes.

5. Expand Your English Vocabulary

Learning a new verb also means learning how to use it in a sentence. For example, when you learn the verb encourage, you should also learn its common pattern:

Encourage + object + to-infinitive

• The teacher encouraged students to participate.

• My parents encouraged me to study harder.

Learning verbs together with their patterns helps you remember vocabulary and use it correctly in different situations.

Types of Verb Patterns in English

There are several types of verb patterns in English. Each pattern shows how a verb combines with other grammatical elements, such as infinitives, gerunds, objects, adjectives, prepositions, or clauses. Understanding these structures helps you form correct sentences and use verbs naturally.

The following table summarizes 12 common verb patterns in English.

1. Verb + To-Infinitive

Some verbs are followed by to + the base form of another verb. This structure is commonly used to express intentions, decisions, plans, and wishes.

Structure: Subject + Verb + To-Infinitive

Examples:

• I want to improve my English.

• She decided to study abroad.

• They hope to visit London.

• We plan to start a business.

Common verbs: want, hope, decide, plan, agree, promise, refuse.

2. Verb + Gerund (-ing)

Certain verbs are followed by a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb functioning as a noun. This pattern is often used to describe activities, preferences, and experiences.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Gerund

Examples:

• She enjoys reading novels.

• He avoids eating unhealthy food.

• We finished preparing dinner.

• They considered moving abroad.

Common verbs: enjoy, avoid, finish, consider, suggest, mind.

3. Verb + Object + To-Infinitive

Some verbs are followed by an object and a to-infinitive. The object usually identifies the person who performs the action expressed by the infinitive.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + To-Infinitive

Examples:

• The teacher asked students to listen.

• She encouraged me to apply.

• He reminded us to bring our books.

• They invited her to join the team.

Common verbs: ask, tell, advise, encourage, invite, remind, persuade.

4. Verb + Object + Bare Infinitive

A bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without to. Certain verbs, especially make and let, take an object followed by a bare infinitive in active sentences.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + Base Verb

Examples:

• The teacher made us repeat the sentence.

• My parents let me go outside.

• The movie made everyone cry.

• She helped him carry the bags.

Note: The verb help can be followed by either a bare infinitive or a to-infinitive.

5. Verb + Object + -ing Form

Some verbs, particularly verbs of perception, can be followed by an object and an -ing form. This structure often emphasizes an action in progress.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + -ing Form

Examples:

• I saw the children playing.

• She heard someone singing.

• We watched the birds flying.

• He noticed a man standing outside.

Common verbs: see, hear, watch, notice, observe, catch.

6. Verb + Preposition + Gerund

Some verbs are followed by a preposition and a gerund. When a verb follows a preposition, it generally takes the -ing form.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Preposition + Gerund

Examples:

• She insisted on paying the bill.

• He apologized for arriving late.

• They succeeded in solving the problem.

• We talked about moving to another city.

Common combinations: insist on, apologize for, succeed in, think about, complain about.

7. Verb + That-Clause

Certain verbs are followed by a clause introduced by that. This pattern is commonly used to express thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and statements.

Structure: Subject + Verb + That + Subject + Verb

Examples:

• I believe that English is useful.

• She said that she was tired.

• They know that the answer is correct.

• He explained that the meeting was canceled.

Common verbs: believe, think, know, say, explain, understand.

In many sentences, that can be omitted without changing the meaning.

8. Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object

Some verbs can take two objects. The indirect object usually identifies the recipient, while the direct object identifies what is given, sent, or communicated.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object

Examples:

• She gave me a present.

• He sent his friend a message.

• The teacher taught us grammar.

• My mother bought me a jacket.

Common verbs: give, send, teach, offer, show, buy.

9. Verb + Object + Adjective

Some verbs are followed by an object and an adjective that describes the object’s condition or state.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + Adjective

Examples:

• The news made her happy.

• They painted the wall blue.

• Please keep the room clean.

• We found the lesson interesting.

Common verbs: make, keep, find, paint, consider.

10. Verb + Object + Prepositional Phrase

Some verbs are followed by an object and a prepositional phrase that provides information about location, direction, or another relationship.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + Prepositional Phrase

Examples:

• She put the keys on the table.

• He placed the bag under the chair.

• They sent the package to London.

• We kept the documents in a drawer.

Common verbs: put, place, send, keep, move.

11. Verb + Adjective

Linking verbs can be followed by adjectives that describe the subject rather than an action.

Structure: Subject + Linking Verb + Adjective

Examples:

• She looks happy.

• He seems tired.

• The soup tastes delicious.

• They became nervous.

Common linking verbs: be, seem, appear, look, feel, become, taste.

12. Verb + Noun or Pronoun

Transitive verbs take a direct object, which may be a noun or pronoun. The object receives the action of the verb.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Direct Object

Examples:

• She reads books.

• He bought a laptop.

• They watched a movie.

• I called her yesterday.

Common verbs: buy, read, watch, call, open, carry.

These 12 patterns cover many common English sentence structures. However, some verbs can follow multiple patterns, and the meaning may change depending on the structure used.

Common Verb Patterns with Examples

Learning common verb patterns in English helps you understand which grammatical structures follow different verbs. Some verbs require a to-infinitive, others take a gerund, and some need an object before another verb.

The following tables provide commonly used English verbs, their grammatical patterns, and example sentences.

Common Verbs Followed by To-Infinitives

These verbs are generally followed by to + the base form of a verb.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds (-ing)

These verbs are normally followed by the -ing form when another verb follows them directly.

Common Verbs Followed by Object + To-Infinitive

These verbs commonly take an object followed by a to-infinitive.

Common Verbs Followed by Object + Bare Infinitive

These verbs can take an object followed by the base form of another verb without to.

With perception verbs such as see, hear, and watch, the bare infinitive often presents an action as a whole, while the -ing form emphasizes an action in progress.

Common Verbs Followed by Prepositions and Gerunds

Some verbs are used with particular prepositions. When another verb follows the preposition, it generally takes the -ing form.

Important: The word to is not always an infinitive marker. In expressions such as object to and look forward to, it is a preposition. Therefore, a following verb takes the -ing form.

For example:

• Correct: I look forward to meeting you.

• Incorrect: I look forward to meet you.

Common Verbs Followed by More Than One Pattern

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or a to-infinitive.

In many contexts, these forms have similar meanings. However, some verbs, such as remember, forget, stop, and try, can change meaning depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or a to-infinitive.

Learning verbs together with their common patterns is more effective than memorizing individual verbs without examples. It helps you understand both their meanings and their grammatical usage.

Conclusion

Understanding verb patterns in English is essential for building grammatically correct sentences and improving communication skills. Different verbs follow different structures, including gerunds, to-infinitives, objects, prepositions, and clauses. Learning these patterns helps you choose the correct verb forms and avoid common grammar mistakes.

Some verbs, such as enjoy and avoid, are followed by gerunds, while others, such as want and decide, require to-infinitives. Certain verbs, including remember, stop, and try, can take both forms, but their meanings may change depending on the pattern.

To improve your English grammar, learn new verbs together with their common patterns, study examples, and practice using them in sentences. Regular practice will help you use verb patterns more accurately and confidently in everyday speaking and writing.

• What Are Verbs in English Grammar?
• What Is a Verb Phrase? Definition, Structure, and Examples
• Types of Verb Phrases in English
• Verb vs. Verb Phrase
• Sentence Structure in English