UNIT
26
Verb patterns VERBS + TO
VERBS + -ING FORM
VERBS + BASE FORM
• Most verbs followed by another verb take TO + infinitive. Examples: He offered to help the lady. I’d prefer not to go out tonight.
• Other verbs are followed by the -ING form. Examples: He enjoys watching sci-fi films. I can’t stand getting up early. I look forward to hearing from you.
• Another group of verbs is followed by base form. Here is a list of these verbs. Examples: You’d better go home now. I’d rather not go out tonight.
admit (to) avoid consider deny dislike discuss enjoy fancy feel like imagine involve keep mind miss
would rather (‘d rather) had better (‘d better)
Verbs followed by TO agree arrange can’t afford can’t wait decide expect hope learn manage offer
ought plan pretend promise refuse threaten want would like would love would prefer
postpone practise recall recommend resent resist suggest tolerate can’t help can’t stand be used to get used to look forward to
Modal verbs: can / could shall / should must may / might will / would
• After prepositions (except TO, which usually takes infinitive). Examples: She gave up smoking many years ago. This detergent is for cleaning kitchen worktops. VERBS + TO / -ING (with little or no difference)
IDIOMS + -ING FORM
VERBS + OBJECT + TO
• Some verbs may be followed by either TO or ING with very little differente in meaning. Compare the examples: I like to do the washing up right after having meals. (I prefer doing something in a certain way) I like going shopping at weekends. (I enjoy it)
• Some useful expressions are followed by -ING form. Example: This film is worth watching twice.
• Observe the examples: Mum wants me to make my bed. He told me not to move.
List of verbs + TO and -ING
List of idioms + -ING
List of verbs + object + TO
start like / love / hate prefer continue
be worth there’s no point have difficulty it’s no use
advise allow ask beg convince
66
encourage expect forbid force
