English Grammar Practice Test: Verb Patterns — Flashcards

Verb patterns refer to what comes after a verb. Some verbs can stand alone, while others must be followed by an object or prepositions. Other verbs are followed by objects and prepositions, or verbs in other forms. 

Here are some examples of verb patterns:
Verb + object: This type of verb requires an object after it to make sense. For example, "plays the cello" or "earns a living".
Verb + no object: This type of verb makes sense on its own. For example, "She paints".
Verb complements: This refers to the form of the verb following the main verb in a sentence. Verb complements can be:
With infinitive (to+verb). For example, "would like to become" or "wants to use". 

Here are some other verb patterns:
Hate, like, love, and prefer
Hear, see, etc. + object + infinitive or -ing
Help somebody (to) do
Look forward to
Stop + -ing form or to-infinitive
Verb + infinitive or verb + -ing?:
Verb + that-clause 

Some verbs can be followed by a to-infinitive, some can be followed by -ing, and some can be followed by either without changing the meaning. For example, "prefer" can be followed by a to-infinitive or an -ing form. A to-infinitive is more common.