Verb Patterns & Complements

Some verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing form), and that gerund acts as a noun that shows the action or activity related to the verb.

Other verbs are followed by to plus the base form of the verb (the infinitive), which usually expresses purpose, intention, or a future action.

Some verbs take a direct object and then an -ing form, where the gerund describes an action related to that object.

Some verbs take a direct object followed by an infinitive, and this pattern often shows an intended or allowed action involving the object.

Certain verbs are followed by a that clause, which gives more information or reports what someone says, thinks, or believes.

Some verbs take an object followed by the base form of a verb without to (the bare infinitive), often in commands, causes, or perceptions.

With some verbs, an object can be followed by either a present participle (-ing form) or a past participle (-ed form) to show an ongoing action or a completed action related to the object.

Learning whether a verb is followed by an -ing form, an infinitive, an object, or a clause helps you make sentences that sound natural and clear in English.