6b Verb patterns

• verb + to infinitive
We couldn’t afford to take a vacation this year.

Other verbs include: expect, fail, pretend, seem, tend, want.

When one verb follows another, we use different verb patterns:

The teacher encouraged them to work harder.

Other verbs include: advise, force, require, want, warn.

• verb + object + to infinitive

My manager let me leave early today.

Other verbs include: help, see, hear.

• verb + object + infinitive (without to)

Don’t risk parking your car here.
Other verbs include: avoid, dislike, mention, miss,

recommend, suggest.

• verb + -ing form

The customer complained about receiving the delivery two months after the order.

Other verbs include: insist on, rely on, succeeded in, think about, worry about.

• verb + preposition + -ing form

The neighbor accused him of throwing trash into his garden.

Other verbs include: blame (someone) for, criticize (someone) for, discourage (someone) from, prevent (someone) from.

• verb + object + preposition + -ing form