Basic verb patterns

(from HWI3, p158)

1 Verbs + -ing

like, love, adore, enjoy, prefer, can’t stand, don’t mind, finish, look forward to…

(Note 1: like, love, adore, prefer, hate are sometimes used with to but -ing is more usual and more general.)
(Note 2: an -ing form is always used after a preposition: He thought of retiring

2 Verbs + to + infinitive

agree, choose, dare, decide, expect, forget, help, hope, learn, manage, need, offer, promise, refuse, seem, want,
would like, would love, would prefer, would hate

(Note 1: Help and dare can be used without to: We helped her tidy her room)
(Note 2: Have to = obligation: You have to wear a uniform in this school))
(Note 3: Used to = past habits: I used to smoke but I gave up long ago)

3 Verbs + somebody + to + infinitive

advise, allow ask, beg, encourage, expect, help, need, invite, order, remind, tell, want, warn, would like, would love,
would prefer, would hate

4 Verbs + somebody + infinitive (no to)

let, make, help

(Note 1: in the passive, make is used with to: We were made to work hard)
(Note 2: let cannot be used in the passive, it is replaced by be allowed to: We were allowed to leave))

5 Verbs + -ing or to + infinitive (with no change of meaning)

begin, start, continue

(Note: see above: like, love, adore, prefer, hate)

6 Verbs + -ing or to + infinitive (with a change of meaning)

remember, stop, try

(Note 1: I remember posting the letter = I have a memory now that I posted a letter)
I remembered to post the letter = I didn’t forget to post the letter)
(Note 2: I stopped smoking = I gave up the habit)
I stopped to smoke = I stopped doing something else in order to have a cigarette)
(Note 3: I tried to sleep = I wanted to sleep but it was difficult)
I tried counting sheep and taking sleeping pills = these are possible ways of getting to sleep)
1 Use the verbs in the box at an appropriate place in the text. Choose the right form of the verbs

earn work find leave buy

look after visit redecorate pay stay
miss save be able to overdraw go

Jane's a nurse, but she's trying (1) a new job. Although she enjoys (2)
people, nursing is not very well paid, and she cannot afford (3) all her
bills. She finds it impossible to live on such a low salary without (4) her
account at the bank. Her flat needs (5), and she would like (6) a car.
She managed (7) enough last year for a short holiday by (8) some
extra money in her spare time, and this year, she's hoping (9) some
friends in France. She has stopped (10) to the theatre, which used to
be one of her greatest pleasures.
She's thinking of (11) in America, where she could earn a higher salary
in a private hospital, but would prefer (12) in this country if possible.
She likes (13) to see her parents whenever she wants to. A friend of
hers went to America after (14) university, but began (15) her friends
so badly that she had to come back.

2 Put the verbs in brackets into the right form

Dear Dennis,

We just wanted to (say) thank you for putting us up before we caught

the plane last week. it was a lovely evening and we enjoyed (meet)
your friends, Pete and Sarah. We managed (get) to the airport with
plenty of time to spare. We even tried (get) on an earlier plane but it
wasn’t possible.
We had a wonderful holiday in Spain. We just loved (drive) through the
countryside, and we often stopped (walk) round a mountain village. We
met our friends, Bill and Sue, and they invited us (have) a meal with
them. The wanted (we stay) with them, but we couldn’t, as we had
already booked a hotel.
The weather was fantastic, the sun never stopped (shine) all the time
we were there. Leaving Spain was very sad, it made me (want) (cry).
Anyway, we’re looking forward to (hear) from you, and hope (see) you
soon. Let us (know) if you’re ever in the area. You must call in.
Best wishes,
Sandra

3 Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (gerund or infinitive).

1 I am looking forward to (see) you.

2 I would like (see) the manager.
3 It's no use (wait).
4 Don't forget (lock) the door before (go) to bed.
5 Do stop (talk); I am trying (finish) a letter.
6 Would you mind (lend) me £50? I forgot (cash) a cheque.
7 My mother told me (not speak) to anyone about it.
8 (Lie) on this beach is much more pleasant than (sit) in the office.
9 He tried (explain) but she refused (listen).
10 If you go on (let) your dog (chase) cars, he'll end by (be) run over.