There are also many verb patterns which are common in English. When two verbs are used, it is especially important to notice which form the second verb takes (infinitive - to do - base form - do - verb + ing - doing).
| Verb Pattern |
Structure |
Examples |
| verb + infinitive |
This is one of the most common verb combination forms. |
I waited to begin dinner.
They wanted to come to the party. |
| verb + verb + ing |
This is one of the most common verb combination forms. |
They enjoyed listening to the music.
They regretted spending so much time on the project. |
| verb + verb + ing OR verb + infinitive - no change in meaning |
Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. |
She started to eat dinner. OR She started eating dinner. |
| verb + verb + ing OR verb + infinitive - change in meaning |
Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms. However, with these verbs, there is a change in the basic meaning of the sentence. |
They stopped speaking to each other. => They don't speak to each other anymore.
They stopped to speak to each other. => They stopped walking in order to speak to each other. |
| verb + indirect object + direct object |
An indirect object is usually placed before a direct object when a verb takes both an indirect and direct object. |
I bought her a book.
She asked him the question. |
| verb + object + infinitive |
This is the most common form when a verb is followed by both an object and a verb. |
She asked her to find a place to stay.
They instructed them to open the envelope. |
| verb + object + base form (infinitive without 'to') |
This form is used with a few verbs (let, help and make). |
She made her finish her homework.
They let him go to the concert.
He helped him paint the house. |
| verb + object + verb + ing |
This form is less common than verb + object + infinitive. |
I observed them painting the house.
I heard her singing in the living room. |
| verb + object + clause with 'that' |
Use this form for a clause beginning with 'that'. |
She told him that she would worker harder.
He informed him that he was going to resign. |
| verb + object + clause with 'wh-' |
Use this form for a clause beginning with wh- (why, when, where) |
They were instructed where to go.
She told me why she had done it. |
| verb + object + past participle |
This form is often used when someone does something for someone else. |
He had his car washed.
They want the report finished immediately. |
