verb patterns - Tagged

-ing verb form
1a after a verb
His innovative design involved constructing floating barriers which...
1b after a verb + a preposition
...he was increasingly committed to developing the clean up project...
1c after a time linker
...would collect debris for recycling whilst allowing sea life...
1d after a noun and a preposition
‘My sincere thanks go out to the crews ...for making this crazy idea a
reality.’
2 as an adjective
...the crews of the participating vessels...
infinitive verb form
3a after a multi-word verb
After school he went on to study aero-engineering at Delft
3b after a verb + an object
...allowing sea life to swim underneath.
3c after an adjective
...but quit after six months, as and ready to dedicate all his time to it.
3d after a noun phrase
The idea represented a paradigm shift, but had a long way to go
verb + ing (doing, not doing)
After prepositions: She left without paying.
Including:
adjectives w/ prepositions: The government is committed to lowering
taxes. Shops feel justified in raising prices. She’s very meticulous
about checking her work. He was renowned for having the best serve
in tennis.
nouns & noun phrases w/ prepositions: Thanks for helping me. She
was a famous scientist in addition to being the first woman to climb
Mount Everest. We’re renting an apartment in Nice with a view to
buying one in the future. What gave you the idea of becoming an
actor? The purpose of studying a language is to be able to use it in
real-life communication. My grandmother was well known for her
devotion to raising her five children.
verbs & verb + objects w/ prepositions: They specialize in organizing
wedding banquets. I feel like going for a walk. I admire you for being
so brave. He complimented me on doing so well in my exams.
verb + ing (doing, not doing)
After multi-word verbs (because they use prepositions), e.g. We got
lost walking in the city and ended up calling a taxi. I’m looking
forward to seeing my family again when I go back to my country.
After time linkers (because they are also prepositions), e.g. You
should talk to a mechanic before buying a second hand car.
When a verb or verb phrase is the subject of a sentence, e.g.
Overfishing is depleting the cod species. Getting up early is a good
way to start the day.
-ing verb are often used as adjectives, e.g.

satisfying results, a mystifying problem, exciting news
(because that is how it makes you feel)
participating countries, graduating students
(because that is what they are doing)
infinitive
To express purpose, e.g. He’s saving up to buy a house.
After nouns or noun phrases that don’t have a preposition: It’s a long
way to walk. Her ambition is to compete in the Olympics. We went to
great lengths to help you get the job. There’s no need to get angry. My
aim is to finish by next year.
infinitive or -ing?
After adjectives
usually infinitive: It’s difficult to say. Are you ready to eat? I’m inclined
to disagree. He’s reluctant to leave his present job. Are you willing to try
something new? Don’t give him your umbrella; he’s liable to lose it.
You’re bound to make new friends at university.
especially with quantifiers: It’s too heavy to lift. There’s too much to see.
some exceptions: It’s not worth complaining about. It’s hopeless /
pointless trying to change his mind; he won’t listen.
After verbs: it depends on the verb
-ing. Some examples: This job involves talking to a lot of people. I can’t
imagine living in another country. I can’t help laughing when I see you
dance. They suggested seeing the cathedral. Don’t bother asking him;
he won’t tell you.
infinitive. Some examples: We arranged to meet tomorrow. Did you
manage to finish all your work? I fail to see why this is so important. Are
you prepared to work hard?
especially if the verb has a person object, e.g. We persuaded him to
come with us. My parents never allowed me to stay out late. I want you
to promise to call me. It never occurred to him to ask for an explanation.
Sometimes both but it changes the meaning: Don’t forget to call me. /
I’ll never forget seeing the Grand Canyon. Remember to call me. / I
remember seeing this movie before. We tried to open the window but it
was impossible. / We tried turning the computer on and off but it didn’t
help.
A general rule (that doesn’t always work): if it’s more like an activity or
repeated action, try -ing; if it’s more like a single action, try infinitive.
negative and past form
Negative: not before both infinitive or -ing
Try not to be late. I regret not seeing my grandfather more often.
Past: use the perfect form auxiliary have, to have for infinitive,
having for gerund
Sometimes it doesn’t make any difference:
He admitted having started the fire. / He admitted starting the fire.
- from the context the action has to be in the past, so there’s no
difference
I would love to meet Taylor Swift. / I would love to have met Michael
Jackson.
- present for Taylor because it’s still possible, negative for Michael
because this opportunity in now in the past

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verb patterns - Tagged

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-ing verb form

-ing verb are often used as adjectives, e.g.

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