Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises

Some verbs just like to be followed a certain way—and figuring that out can be like solving a fun puzzle! These Verb Patterns worksheets are designed to help learners build stronger, smoother sentences through practice and play. 

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:

Task 1: Verb Patterns

1. ENJOY → followed by gerund → 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 (for future actions) or gerund (for past actions)
   Example: Don’t forget to lock the door. / I’ll never forget meeting her.

4. LOVE → followed by gerund 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 can you 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:

Infinitive (to + verb)	Gerund (-ing)
try	enjoy
promise	keep
forget (to do)	suggest
offer	deny
plan	avoid
agree	consider
hope	finish
decide	look forward to
begin (can be both)	can’t stand
refuse	don’t mind
recommend (can be both)
manage
would like
start (can be both)

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.

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: