Common English Verb Patterns and Usage
Requests and Preferences
- Would you like to come with me? I'd love to.
- Would you mind not smoking in class?
- I regret spending so much money.
- I remember closing the windows.
- I regret to inform you that your father has passed away.
- I'm not used to getting up so early.
- I look forward to hearing from you.
Ability, Permission, and Commands
- He couldn't afford to buy a new car.
- He makes me repeat that twice.
- I won't allow you to do that.
- I advised them not to do it.
- She heard me enter.
- I wanted my friend to come to the party.
- He taught me how to press the button.
- She told me to stay.
- I want him to come with me tonight.
- I didn't tell her to go; I told her to stay.
- Did you ask your brother to come to the party?
- Did you want me to write the letter today?
- Tell Marta to give it to him.
- Do you want me to tell you what happened?
- The teacher wanted pupils to do a dictation.
- Do you like me to ask for a white coffee for you?
- I didn't expect you to do it so soon.
- We decided to invite them to come with us.
- The teacher makes us speak English.
Habits and Actions
- I usually do my homework every day.
- Every two hours, we stop the car to change seats.
- I couldn't help laughing when I heard the joke.
- One day you will regret wasting your time.
- I can't prevent her from speaking to the press.
- I won't forget to call you.
- They don't allow people to smoke in the office.
- That man seems to be following us.
- I don't want her to marry that boy.
- I don't like you to shout at me.
- Children usually play in parks.
- My parents would love me to study abroad.
- She hasn't stopped smoking yet.
Past Habits and States
- When I was a child, I didn't use to watch cartoons.
- When I lived in Palma, I used to go swimming every day.
- My sister didn't use to be afraid of spiders until she saw a tarantula.
Gerunds and Infinitives in Context
- Doing the exam shouldn't take you more than an hour and a half.
- Imagine teaching in New York; it can't be easy.
- I want to stop smoking.
- Do you want me to stop smoking?
- I want you to stop smoking.
- Eating fresh fruit is good for you.
- She is very good at solving problems.
- I love going on holiday, but I miss seeing my friends.
- She has just finished doing her homework.
- The children have stopped acting up and fallen asleep.
- I can't imagine getting good marks at the end of the term.
