Grammar: Verb patterns

In order to improve your writing, you need to learn some common verb patterns.

There are 6 rules you should remember:


1. all modal verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) are followed by the base form. I must go home.

2. after an adjective, use an infinitive (to + base form) It is fun to learn English.

3. after a preposition, use a gerund (verb + ing) I worry about failing my exam.

4. after some verbs, you must use an infinitive.  For example,
decide, would like, need, want, hope, agree, arrange, demand, intend, learn, offer, refuse

5. after some verbs, you must use a gerund. For example,
understand, practise, miss, discuss, avoid, keep, advise, look forward to, recommend, enjoy, consider, suggest

6. use a gerund as the subject of a verb. Learning English is fun. Smoking is bad for you. 


There are two more rules you should know.


7. verb + object + infinitive. For example, I asked him to send me a new passport; My boss has told me to arrange a meal
8. we use infinitives to say why we are doing something (this is called an infinitive of purpose). For example, I am writing to complain about...



There are more rules, but these rules are sufficient for now.

You can practise this grammar point here:
1. https://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/intermediate/a_grammar/file05/nef_int_grammar05_c01?cc=gb&selLanguage=en
2. http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/gerunds-and-infinitives-verbs-1.html