Verb Patterns helps you communicate about reporting intentions, influence, perception and preferences. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use verb-complement patterns with objects, infinitives and gerunds.
- Recognise and build the form: verb + object + to-infinitive; verb + object + bare infinitive; verb + gerund.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Verb Patterns for reporting intentions, influence, perception and preferences. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
The teacher asked us to work quietly.
'Ask + object' is followed by a to-infinitive.
My parents let me stay out late.
'Let + object' is followed by a bare infinitive.
The joke made everyone laugh.
'Make + object' is followed by a bare infinitive in the active voice.
verb + object + to-infinitive; verb + object + bare infinitive; verb + gerundKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'Ask + object' is followed by a to-infinitive.
- 'Let + object' is followed by a bare infinitive.
- 'Make + object' is followed by a bare infinitive in the active voice.
- 'Remind + object' takes a to-infinitive.
- A perception verb can take object + bare infinitive for a complete action.
Common mistakes
Not:The teacher asked us working quietly.
Use:The teacher asked us to work quietly.
'Ask + object' is followed by a to-infinitive.
Not:My parents let me to stay out late.
Use:My parents let me stay out late.
'Let + object' is followed by a bare infinitive.
Not:The joke made everyone to laugh.
Use:The joke made everyone laugh.
'Make + object' is followed by a bare infinitive in the active voice.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
She reminded me ____ the tickets.
to bring
'Remind + object' takes a to-infinitive.
I saw him ____ the building.
leave
A perception verb can take object + bare infinitive for a complete action.
They accused him of ____ the document.
changing
The pattern is 'accuse someone of + gerund'.