Verb Phrases and Verb Patterns: English Grammar Guide

Understanding verb phrases and verb patterns is one of the most important parts of mastering English grammar. These structures show how verbs interact with other words in a sentence, forming meaning and expressing actions, intentions, and relationships. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, learning how verb phrases and patterns work will make your English more natural and precise.

What Is a Verb Phrase?

A verb phrase is a group of words that contains a main verb and one or more helping (auxiliary) verbs. Together, they express an action, a state, or a condition.

Structure:

Verb Phrase = Auxiliary Verb(s) + Main Verb

Examples:

• She is studying English.

• They have finished their homework.

• We will be traveling next week.

• I should have called earlier.

In each case, the main verb carries the core meaning (study, finish, travel, call), while the auxiliary verbs add grammatical information like tense, aspect, voice, or mood.

Types of Auxiliary Verbs

There are two main types of auxiliary verbs: primary auxiliaries and modal auxiliaries.

1. Primary Auxiliary Verbs

These include be, have, and do.
They are used to form tenses, negatives, and questions.

Examples:

• Be → I am eating. / She was reading.

• Have → They have arrived. / He had gone.

• Do → Do you like coffee? / I don’t know.

2. Modal Auxiliary Verbs

These express possibility, necessity, permission, ability, or obligation.
Common modal verbs: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would.

Examples:

• You can drive now. (ability)

• We must finish this today. (necessity)

• I might go to the party. (possibility)

• You should see a doctor. (advice)

Main Verbs in Verb Phrases

The main verb in a verb phrase carries the actual meaning of the action or state. It can be:

• Action verb: run, eat, study, build

• Linking verb: be, seem, appear, become

• Stative verb: know, like, understand, belong

Examples:

• She is dancing. → (action verb)

• He has been sick. → (linking verb)

• I have known her for years. → (stative verb)

Verb Phrases in Continuous and Perfect Tenses

Verb phrases are essential in forming continuous and perfect tenses.

1. Continuous (Progressive) Tenses

Show actions that are ongoing.

Structure: be + present participle (-ing)

Examples:

• I am reading.

• She was watching TV.

• They will be coming soon.

2. Perfect Tenses

Show completed actions or experiences.

Structure: have + past participle

Examples:

• He has finished his work.

• We had left before noon.

• She will have graduated by next year.

3. Perfect Continuous Tenses

Combine both ideas (ongoing and completed).

Structure: have + been + present participle

Examples:

• I have been studying all day.

• They had been working for hours.

• She will have been living here for five years.

Passive Voice and Verb Phrases

Verb phrases also form the passive voice, used when the focus is on the action rather than the doer.

Structure: be + past participle

Examples:

• The cake was baked by my mom.

• The report has been completed.

• The movie will be shown tomorrow.

What Are Verb Patterns?

A verb pattern describes how verbs connect with other words or phrases (especially nouns, infinitives, or gerunds).
Different verbs follow specific patterns, and using the wrong one can change the meaning or sound unnatural.

Common Patterns:

1. Verb + to-infinitive

2. Verb + -ing (gerund)

3. Verb + object + to-infinitive

4. Verb + object + bare infinitive

5. Verb + that-clause

Pattern 1: Verb + to-infinitive

Many verbs are followed by the to-infinitive form of another verb.

Structure:

Verb + to + base verb

Examples:

• I want to go home.

• She decided to study abroad.

• They hope to win the competition.

• He needs to rest.

Common verbs in this pattern:

agree, decide, hope, learn, plan, promise, want, wish, expect, refuse

Pattern 2: Verb + -ing (Gerund)

Some verbs are followed by a gerund (verb + ing).

Structure:

Verb + -ing form

Examples:

• She enjoys reading novels.

• They finished working at midnight.

• He avoids eating junk food.

• I consider moving abroad.

Common verbs in this pattern:

enjoy, avoid, consider, finish, imagine, keep, miss, suggest, deny, mind, practice

Pattern 3: Verb + Object + to-infinitive

Many verbs require an object before the to-infinitive.

Structure:

Verb + object + to + base verb

Examples:

• She told me to wait.

• They asked him to help.

• I want you to come.

• The teacher encouraged the students to study.

Common verbs in this pattern:

advise, ask, allow, tell, want, expect, encourage, invite, remind, order

Pattern 4: Verb + Object + Bare Infinitive

Some verbs are followed by an object and a bare infinitive (without “to”).

Structure:

Verb + object + base verb

Examples:

• She made me cry.

• Let me help you.

• We saw them leave the building.

• I heard her sing beautifully.

Common verbs in this pattern:

make, let, see, hear, feel, watch, help (sometimes with or without “to”)

Pattern 5: Verb + That-Clause

Some verbs are followed by a that-clause, introducing additional information or reported speech.

Structure:

Verb + that + clause

Examples:

• She said that she was tired.

• I think that it’s a good idea.

• We believe that he can do it.

• They knew that it would rain.

Common verbs in this pattern:

say, think, know, believe, hope, expect, decide, suggest, admit

Verbs Followed by Either Gerund or Infinitive (Change in Meaning)

Some verbs can take both forms, but the meaning changes depending on which one you use.

Practice Tip: Identifying Verb Phrases and Patterns

When analyzing a sentence:

1. Find the main verb first.

2. Look for helping verbs before it → together they form the verb phrase.

3. Check what comes after the main verb — noun, object, or another verb form — to determine the verb pattern.

Example:

She told me to study harder.

• Verb phrase: told

• Verb pattern: verb + object + to-infinitive

Common Mistakes with Verb Phrases and Patterns

1. ❌ He can to swim.
   ✅ He can swim. (No “to” after modal verbs.)

2. ❌ I enjoy to read.
   ✅ I enjoy reading.

3. ❌ She made me to cry.
   ✅ She made me cry.

4. ❌ They suggested to go home.
   ✅ They suggested going home.

Why Learning Verb Phrases and Patterns Matters

Understanding verb phrases and patterns helps you:

• Use tenses and modals correctly.

• Express complex ideas smoothly.

• Avoid common grammatical errors.

• Sound more natural and fluent in both speaking and writing.

Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or chatting with friends, correct verb use gives your sentences clarity, accuracy, and confidence.

Conclusion

Verb phrases and verb patterns form the backbone of English grammar. A verb phrase shows how actions happen, while verb patterns show how verbs connect to other words. Mastering both will allow you to write and speak with greater fluency and control.

Keep practicing by identifying verb phrases in texts, paying attention to which verbs take to-infinitives or gerunds, and observing how native speakers naturally use them. With time and practice, verb phrases and patterns will become second nature in your English communication.

FAQs

What is a verb phrase in English grammar?

A verb phrase is a group of words centered on a main verb and one or more auxiliary (helping) verbs that together express tense, aspect, voice, or mood. Common auxiliaries include be, have, and do, as well as modals like can, will, must, and should. Examples: “She is studying,” “They have finished,” “We will be traveling.” The auxiliaries add grammatical meaning, while the main verb carries the core action or state.

How do verb phrases show tense, aspect, and voice?

Tense is indicated primarily through auxiliaries and the form of be or have (e.g., was, has). Aspect (progressive or perfect) is marked with be + -ing or have + past participle. Voice is marked by be + past participle for passive constructions. Examples: “I am reading” (present progressive), “She has finished” (present perfect), “The report was written” (passive voice).

What are the most common verb patterns learners should know?

Useful patterns include:

• Verb + to-infinitive (e.g., “hope to win”).
• Verb + -ing (gerund) (e.g., “enjoy reading”).
• Verb + object + to-infinitive (e.g., “told me to wait”).
• Verb + object + bare infinitive (e.g., “made me cry”).
• Verb + that-clause (e.g., “think that it’s right”).

How do I decide between using a to-infinitive or a gerund?

It depends on the governing verb. Some verbs take only the to-infinitive (decide, hope, plan), others take only the gerund (enjoy, avoid, consider), and some accept both with a meaning shift (remember, stop, try, forget). For example, “remember to lock” (don’t forget to do it) vs. “remember locking” (you recall the past event).

Which verbs are typically followed by a to-infinitive?

Common verbs include agree, decide, expect, hope, learn, need, plan, promise, refuse, want, wish. Examples: “They decided to move,” “I want to learn Spanish,” “She refused to leave.”

Which verbs are typically followed by a gerund (-ing)?

Frequent gerund-followers include enjoy, avoid, consider, deny, finish, imagine, keep, mind, miss, practice, suggest. Examples: “He enjoys cooking,” “She kept reading,” “They suggested leaving early.”

When do I use “verb + object + to-infinitive”?

Use this when the verb requires a direct object before the infinitive, often for commands, requests, or expectations. Typical verbs: advise, allow, ask, encourage, expect, invite, order, remind, tell, want. Examples: “The teacher told us to revise,” “I want you to come,” “They reminded me to call.”

When is the bare infinitive used after an object?

After certain causative and perception verbs, you use a bare infinitive (no “to”). Common verbs: make, let, see, hear, feel, watch, help. Examples: “She made me laugh,” “Please let me know,” “We saw them leave.” Note that help can take either form: “help me finish” or “help me to finish.”

How do modal verbs fit into verb phrases?

Modals (e.g., can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) directly precede the base form of the main verb and do not take “to.” They express ability, possibility, advice, necessity, or futurity. Examples: “You should see a doctor,” “We must finish now,” “I might go later.”

What are common errors with verb phrases and how do I fix them?

• After modals, do not add “to”: ❌ “He can to swim” → ✅ “He can swim.”
• Use gerunds after gerund-only verbs: ❌ “I enjoy to read” → ✅ “I enjoy reading.”
• In causatives, avoid “to” with make/let: ❌ “She made me to cry” → ✅ “She made me cry.”
• For passive, include be + past participle: ❌ “The book was write” → ✅ “The book was written.”

How do progressive and perfect aspects change meaning?

The progressive (be + -ing) highlights ongoing or temporary actions: “I am working.” The perfect (have + past participle) links a past action to a present or later moment: “She has finished.” The perfect progressive (have been + -ing) adds duration to a continuing activity: “They have been studying for hours.”

How do I form the passive voice within a verb phrase?

Use be + past participle (with appropriate tense of be). Examples: “The letter is delivered every day,” “The cake was baked yesterday,” “The results have been announced.” Include a by-phrase to name the agent if needed: “The mural was painted by local artists.”

Do stative verbs follow the same patterns?

Stative verbs (e.g., know, believe, love, want, belong, understand, seem) generally avoid progressive aspect because they describe states rather than actions. Prefer simple or perfect forms: “I know the answer,” not “I am knowing.” However, some verbs (like think and have) can be dynamic in certain meanings: “I am thinking about it,” “We are having dinner.”

Which verbs change meaning with gerund vs. infinitive?

Some verbs accept both forms but shift meaning:

• remember: “remember to call” (don’t forget future action) vs. “remember calling” (recall past action).
• stop: “stop to smoke” (pause another activity to smoke) vs. “stop smoking” (quit the habit).
• try: “try to finish” (make an effort) vs. “try doing yoga” (experiment/test).
• forget: “forget to send” (fail to do) vs. “forget meeting him” (fail to remember past event—often in negatives: “I’ll never forget meeting him”).

How do questions and negatives affect verb phrases?

In simple tenses without an auxiliary, add do/does/did for questions and negatives: “Do you like…?”, “She doesn’t know,” “Did they leave?” With existing auxiliaries (including modals), invert the auxiliary for questions and add not for negatives: “Has he finished?”, “They have not arrived,” “Can you help?”, “You shouldn’t worry.”

What’s the difference between “help someone do” and “help someone to do”?

Both are acceptable in modern English, with “help someone do” slightly more concise and common in everyday usage. Meaning does not change: “She helped me finish” and “She helped me to finish” are both correct.

How can I quickly identify the verb pattern in a sentence?

First, locate the main verb and any auxiliaries (the verb phrase). Next, check what follows the main verb: a to-infinitive, a gerund, an object + to-infinitive or bare infinitive, or a that-clause. Label the pattern accordingly. Example: “She told me to wait” → verb + object + to-infinitive. “They enjoy playing” → verb + gerund.

What practice strategies build accuracy with verb phrases and patterns?

Use a three-step routine: (1) Underline auxiliaries and the main verb to see the full verb phrase; (2) Note the aspect or voice (progressive, perfect, passive); (3) Identify the complement type (to-infinitive, gerund, object + bare infinitive, that-clause). Then rewrite sample sentences by switching active/passive, simple/progressive/perfect, or gerund/infinitive where appropriate to compare meaning and form.

Can you give a compact reference of patterns with examples?

Yes. Keep this mini-list handy:

• V + to-inf: “We plan to visit.”
• V + -ing: “She avoids driving.”
• V + O + to-inf: “They want us to join.”
• V + O + bare inf: “He let me go.”
• V + that-clause: “I think that it helps.”
• Passive: “The task was completed.”
• Progressive: “She is working.”
• Perfect: “They have finished.”

What are quick do’s and don’ts for clean, natural usage?

• Do pair modals with base verbs (no “to”).
• Do memorize verb lists that govern gerunds vs. infinitives.
• Do use do/does/did for questions/negatives when no auxiliary is present.
• Don’t use progressive with most stative verbs (e.g., “I am knowing” ❌).
• Don’t insert “to” after make and let before the bare infinitive.
• Don’t forget agreement and correct participle forms in passive and perfect structures.

English Grammar Guide: Complete Rules, Examples, and Tips for All Levels