Summary of Advanced English Future Tenses and Verb Patterns
Advanced English Future Tenses & Verb Patterns Guide
Introduction
English verb patterns determine whether a verb following another verb takes the -ing form (gerund) or the to + infinitive. Understanding these distinctions helps you accurately express actions, intentions, memories, emotions, and outcomes.
Definition: A verb pattern refers to the correct form the second verb should take in a two-verb construction (e.g., "want to go" or "enjoy dancing").
1. Common Uses of -ing and to + Infinitive
After Prepositions
- Always use the -ing form.
- Examples: "She is afraid of speaking in public." "I can’t stand being in front of a crowd."
Definition: Prepositions require the -ing form after them.
After Fixed Phrases (certain phrases)
- Some expressions require -ing, others to + infinitive.
- E.g.: "ask for permission not to do a talk"; "be used to living in a city".
As a Subject
- Use the -ing form when the action functions as the subject.
- E.g.: "Being the centre of attention has petrified me."
After Nouns
- The -ing form can appear after certain nouns: "the idea of moving".
After Adjectives
- Often, to + infinitive is used to provide explanation or intention.
- E.g.: "She was happy to help." "I’m afraid to tell you..."
To Show Result
- To + infinitive is used to indicate purpose or result: "I came to make the coffee."
2. Verbs that Take Both Forms: Meaning Changes
Some verbs can be followed by both -ing and to + infinitive, but the meaning changes. Below is a comparative table showing their uses and examples.
| Verb | + -ing (meaning) | + to + infinitive (meaning) | Example with -ing | Example with to + infinitive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| remember | to recall a past action or event | to remember a future obligation or task | I distinctly remember turning off the lights. | I remembered to turn off the lights. |
| forget | to forget a past experience or event | to forget to do something you were supposed to do | I forgot having spoken to him. | He forgot to call his mother. |
| regret | to feel sorry about something that has already happened | formal: to feel sorry about having to say something (often in letters) | She regrets arguing with her brother. | We regret to tell you that you haven’t got the job. |
| try | to experiment with an action (as a test) | to make an effort to do something (purposeful attempt) | I tried staying up later to study. | I tried to call her, but she wasn’t there. |
| stop | to cease an activity | to pause an activity in order to do something else | They stopped talking after the argument. | She stopped to talk to the man. |
| need | passive: something requires action (needs doing/to be done) | a personal necessity or an action to be performed | The dog needs walking. | I need to go on holiday. |
Definition: If a verb can take both forms, compare the context: Does it refer to a completed action, an obligation, an attempt, or an experience?
3. Fixed Verb Patterns
Some verbs follow consistent patterns. Here are common lists and the general structure:
-
Common Structures:
- to + infinitive: arrange, intend, refuse, threaten, vow, etc.
- -ing: cease, deny, postpone, resent, risk, etc.
- object + to + infinitive: force him to go, expect her to win.
- object + -ing: resent him giving up, catch him stealing.
-
Example in context: "They want to force him to go now and resent him giving up such an opportunity." Here, we see "force him to go" and "resent him giving up".
Definition: Fixed patterns are combinations you need to memorize as they don't change with context.
4. Key Differences and Clues for Choosing a Form
- If a preposition or the word 'after' is present, use -ing: after doing.
- To express purpose or result, use to + infinitive: come to do.
- To express memory of a past action versus a reminder of an obligation, compare 'r
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Verbal Patterns in English
Klíčové pojmy: Always use the -ing form after prepositions., The 'to + infinitive' form expresses purpose or result., Using -ing as a subject: 'Being the centre of attention', 'Remember + to' indicates an obligation; 'remember + -ing' refers to a past memory., 'Forget + to' means to forget to perform an action; 'forget + -ing' means to forget that you performed an action., 'Regret + to' is a formal way to deliver bad news; 'regret + -ing' expresses regret about a past action., 'Stop + to' means to pause one action to begin another; 'stop + -ing' means to cease an activity., 'Need + -ing' implies a passive construction (something needs doing); 'need + to' expresses a personal necessity., Memorize these fixed patterns: 'object + to infinitive' or 'object + -ing'., The phrase 'be on the verge of + -ing' indicates an action that is about to happen., Practice using real-life examples and flashcards., Always compare the context for verbs that can take both forms.