Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises

Some verbs just like to be followed in a certain way—and figuring that out can feel like solving a fun puzzle. These Verb Patterns worksheets help learners build smoother, more natural sentences through practice.

Download Verb Patterns Worksheets

1.

Task 1: Which patterns are possible after these verbs? What can you say after each verb?

Task 2: What’s the mistake in each sentence? How can you correct it?

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Answer Key

Task 1: Verb Patterns

1. ENJOY → followed by a gerund (-ing) → enjoy doing something
   Example: She enjoys swimming.
2. NEED → followed by to + infinitive → need to do something
   Example: You need to study.
3. FORGET → followed by to + infinitive (future/next action) or gerund (-ing) (memory of a past action)
   Example: Don’t forget to lock the door. / I’ll never forget meeting her.Compare: I forgot to call you (I didn’t call). / I forgot calling you (I called, but I don’t remember it).
4. LOVE → followed by a gerund (-ing) or to + infinitive (both are correct)
   Example: I love reading. / I love to read.
5. DECIDE → followed by to + infinitive → decide to do something
   Example: They decided to leave early.

Task 2: Sentence Corrections

1. She enjoys to swim in the ocean.
   Correction: She enjoys swimming in the ocean.
2. I want going to the concert tonight.
   Correction: I want to go to the concert tonight.
3. They decided to staying home.
   Correction: They decided to stay home.
4. We must to leave now.
   Correction: We must leave now.

2. Read the text and underline any verbs you can spot. Notice what verb patterns you can observe.

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3. Look at the verb patterns listed below. Write down your own examples of verbs which can follow the patterns.

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4. Sort out the verbs in the box. Which ones are followed by a verb in the infinitive? Which ones are followed by a verb in the -ing form?

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Answer

Use the correct form of the verbs from the previous exercise to complete the sentences below.

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Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. Mia is trying to avoid eating too much junk food during the week.
2. I really enjoy spending time with my cousins on the weekend.
3. They promised to tell us early about the schedule change.
4. We decided to organize a surprise party for John’s birthday.
5. My parents suggested taking a walk after dinner.
6. Brian kept trying even though the task was hard.
7. She forgot to send the email to the teacher last night.
8. We agreed to leave earlier next time to avoid the traffic.
9. Ethan planned to visit his grandparents during the holidays.
10. I hope to get better results in the next exam.

Exercise 2

Here are three verbs that were not used in the previous exercise and example sentences using them in context:

1. deny

• Sentence: She denied breaking the vase, even though everyone saw her do it.

2. manage

• Sentence: Despite the storm, we managed to catch the last train home.

3. recommend

• Sentence: The doctor recommended taking a short walk every morning to improve circulation.

Download Verb Patterns Worksheets PDF

Verb Patterns Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Pattern

Direction:

Choose the correct verb pattern to complete each sentence. Circle A, B, or C.

Sentences:

1. I hope ___ a new language this year.
   A) learning    B) learn    C) to learn
2. She enjoys ___ in the garden on weekends.
   A) to work    B) working    C) work
3. He agreed ___ us with the project.
   A) to help    B) helping    C) help
4. They made me ___ the whole speech again.
   A) to repeat    B) repeating    C) repeat
5. We decided ___ the movie after dinner.
   A) watching    B) to watch    C) watch
6. The teacher encouraged the students ___ questions.
   A) ask    B) to ask    C) asking
7. I can’t stand ___ in traffic.
   A) wait    B) waiting    C) to wait
8. She asked me ___ her with the bags.
   A) help    B) helping    C) to help
9. My parents let me ___ out with my friends.
   A) go    B) to go    C) going
10. He suggested ___ to the beach instead.
    A) to go    B) go    C) going

Answer Key:

Exercise 2: Verb Sorting

Direction:

Sort the following verbs into the correct category:

• Verbs followed by gerunds (verb + -ing)
• Verbs followed by infinitives (to + verb)
• Verbs followed by object + infinitive (verb + someone + to + verb)

Verb List:

• enjoy
• plan
• suggest
• decide
• ask
• want
• avoid
• remind
• promise
• advise
• invite
• finish
• hope
• teach
• allow
• keep
• expect
• begin
• recommend
• tell

Answer Key:

Note: Some verbs (like begin, start, and expect) can appear in multiple patterns depending on meaning and structure. For learning purposes, they are sorted here by the most common basic use. Also, recommend is listed under gerunds because it most commonly takes -ing or a that-clause (e.g., “I recommend taking…” / “I recommend that you take…”).

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks

Direction:

Complete each sentence with the correct verb form (gerund, infinitive, or object + infinitive) according to the pattern. Use the verb in parentheses.

Sentences:

1. I enjoy __________ in the morning. (jog)
2. She asked me __________ her with the luggage. (help)
3. They decided __________ the event until next week. (postpone)
4. We avoided __________ about the problem. (talk)
5. My mom allowed me __________ to the party. (go)
6. He promised __________ the report by Friday. (finish)
7. The teacher encouraged the students __________ more clearly. (speak)
8. I can’t stand __________ in long lines. (wait)
9. She suggested __________ a picnic at the park. (have)
10. He told us __________ quiet during the presentation. (be)

Answer Key:

1. jogging
2. to help
3. to postpone
4. talking
5. to go
6. to finish
7. to speak
8. waiting
9. having
10. to be