B2 · Intermédiaire supérieur Chapitre 8

Maîtrise les nuances : l'art de la précision anglaise

10 Règles totales
92 exemples
6 min

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the intricate dance of verbs and prepositions to achieve true English fluency.

  • Identify correct verb-pattern pairings.
  • Master complex phrasal verbs.
  • Apply nuanced grammatical structures.
Connect your ideas with perfect verb patterns.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Tu parles déjà bien, mais tu sens qu'il te manque ce petit « truc » pour sonner vraiment naturel ? Ce chapitre est le pont qui te fera passer d'un anglais correct à un anglais fluide et nuancé. On va plonger au cœur des structures qui font la richesse de la langue : les motifs verbaux. Tu apprendras enfin à choisir avec assurance entre le gérondif en '-ing' et l'infinitif, et surtout à comprendre pourquoi dire 'stop smoking' n'a rien à voir avec 'stop to smoke'. On s'attaquera aussi aux collocations essentielles : ces duos de mots comme 'proud of' ou 'reason for' qui ne s'inventent pas mais se ressentent. Tu découvriras comment utiliser des verbes à particule complexes (get on with, look forward to) et comment ne plus jamais hésiter entre 'do' et 'make'. Imagine-toi en train de raconter une anecdote avec une précision chirurgicale grâce aux verbes de perception, ou de briller lors d'un entretien en utilisant des formes complexes comme 'to have done'. À la fin de ce chapitre, tes phrases ne seront plus de simples traductions du français, mais des structures authentiques. Prêt à transformer ton expression et à parler comme un pro ? C'est parti !

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use gerunds and infinitives correctly in professional emails.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Moving beyond basic communication to express yourself with true nuance and confidence is a hallmark of B2 English grammar. This chapter is your key to unlocking that next level of fluency by mastering verb patterns and actions. It's about more than just getting your message across; it's about sounding natural, precise, and sophisticated, allowing you to interact with native speakers effortlessly.
We'll dive deep into those often-confusing choices between a 'to-infinitive' (like 'to do') and a 'gerund' (like 'doing'), showing you how these seemingly small decisions drastically impact meaning and flow.
Understanding these patterns isn't just about avoiding grammatical errors; it's about gaining an intuitive grasp of how English speakers structure their thoughts. You'll learn to confidently use verbs that *only* take a 'to-infinitive' or *only* a 'gerund', navigate those tricky situations where the choice changes the entire meaning of your sentence, and master essential phrasal verbs and verbs of perception. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to articulate your ideas with greater accuracy and sound even more like a native speaker, ensuring your English truly shines.

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of mastering verb patterns and actions lies the understanding that certain verbs have a rule about what follows them. Think of it like this: some verbs are followed by a 'to-infinitive' (e.g., 'decide to go', 'promise to call', 'manage to finish'). These verbs act as gates, only allowing the 'to' form to pass.
For example, you would say
I decided to study abroad,
not
I decided studying abroad.
These are generally about future intentions or commitments.
On the other hand, many verbs belong to what we call the '-ing Club', meaning they are *only* followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). Mastering these makes your English sound incredibly natural. Imagine saying
I enjoy playing tennis
or
She avoids making mistakes.
Trying to use enjoy to play or avoid to make would immediately flag you as a non-native speaker.
These verbs often express feelings, continuous actions, or mental processes.
Things get really interesting when a verb can be followed by *either* a gerund *or* a 'to-infinitive', but the meaning changes entirely. Take 'remember':
I remember locking the door
refers to a past memory (you recall the *action* of locking), while
I remembered to lock the door
means you didn't forget to perform the *task* of locking it. This subtle distinction is crucial for clear communication.
Similarly, 'stop' can mean to cease an ongoing action (
He stopped talking
) or to pause one action in order to do another (
He stopped to talk
).
Our senses also have specific patterns. With verbs of perception like 'see,' 'hear,' 'watch,' we use a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') for a complete action (
I saw him leave the building
) and a gerund for an action in progress (
I saw him leaving the building
). Finally, to truly sound like a B2 speaker, you need to master adjectives + prepositions (like 'proud of', 'keen on', 'interested in') and three-part phrasal verbs (e.g., 'get on with', 'look forward to').
These are fixed expressions that add richness and authenticity to your vocabulary, and using them correctly demonstrates a deep understanding of natural English phrasing.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1
    I avoid to make mistakes when speaking English.
I avoid making mistakes when speaking English.
Explanation: The verb 'avoid' is always followed by a gerund (the -ing form).
  1. 1
    He stopped talking to buy a coffee.
He stopped to buy a coffee.
(or
He stopped talking because he wanted to buy a coffee.
)
Explanation: Stopped talking means he ceased the action of talking. Stopped to buy means he paused his journey/activity *in order* to buy a coffee. The infinitive shows purpose.
  1. 1
    I am looking forward seeing you next week.
I am looking forward to seeing you next week.
Explanation: Look forward to is a common three-part phrasal verb where 'to' is a preposition, not part of a to-infinitive. Therefore, it must be followed by a gerund.

Real Conversations

A

A

Did you remember to send that email to Sarah? It's important.
B

B

Oh, yes! I just finished sending it a few minutes ago. I almost forgot.
A

A

What are you doing this weekend?
B

B

I'm really looking forward to going hiking in the mountains. I also plan to try that new café downtown. Are you keen on joining me?
A

A

I saw him walking down the street, looking a bit lost.
B

B

Really? I just managed to talk to him on the phone. He said he was at the library.

Quick FAQ

Q

Why is it sometimes remember to do and sometimes remember doing?

Remember to do means you recall a necessary action you have to perform (e.g.,

I must remember to buy milk
). Remember doing means you have a memory of a past event or action (e.g.,
I remember buying that book last year
).

Q

How do I know if a verb takes a gerund or an infinitive?

There are patterns, but often it comes down to memorization and exposure. Many verbs related to feelings (enjoy, hate, like), avoiding, or continuing take gerunds. Verbs related to decisions, plans, or intentions often take infinitives. Keep a list and practice!

Q

Are three-part phrasal verbs common in everyday English?

Absolutely! They are incredibly common and essential for sounding natural. Phrases like get on with, look forward to, put up with, and run out of are used constantly in casual and even semi-formal conversation.

Q

What's the difference in meaning between

I saw him run
and
I saw him running
?

I saw him run
implies you saw the complete action from beginning to end.
I saw him running
suggests you witnessed part of the action while it was in progress, like a snapshot.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers seamlessly weave these verb patterns into their everyday speech, often without consciously thinking about the rules. The choice between gerunds and infinitives, especially when the meaning changes, is vital for precise communication and avoiding misunderstandings. Phrasal verbs are particularly prevalent in informal and semi-formal contexts, adding a layer of expressiveness and efficiency.
While regional differences exist in slang or specific idioms, the core verb patterns discussed here are standard across all major English-speaking regions and are crucial for achieving that authentic B2 sound.

Exemples clés (6)

1

I **decided to pursue** a career in environmental science.

J'ai décidé de poursuivre une carrière en sciences de l'environnement.

Verbes avec 'To': Décider, Promettre, Gérer (Infinitifs Seulement)
2

She **promised to text** me when she arrived home safely.

Elle a promis de m'envoyer un message quand elle serait rentrée chez elle en toute sécurité.

Verbes avec 'To': Décider, Promettre, Gérer (Infinitifs Seulement)
3

I really enjoy learning new languages.

J'adore apprendre de nouvelles langues.

Verbes suivis uniquement d'un gérondif : Le Club du '-ing'
4

Have you considered joining the university debate team?

As-tu envisagé de rejoindre l'équipe de débat universitaire ?

Verbes suivis uniquement d'un gérondif : Le Club du '-ing'
5

I'm really looking forward to the concert tonight.

J'attends vraiment le concert de ce soir avec impatience.

Verbes à particule en trois parties (s'entendre avec, attendre avec impatience)
6

We should get on with our group project now.

Nous devrions continuer notre projet de groupe maintenant.

Verbes à particule en trois parties (s'entendre avec, attendre avec impatience)

Conseils et astuces (4)

💡

Cherche l'intention derrière l'action

Si le premier verbe exprime un plan, un engagement ou une action future, il y a de fortes chances que le verbe suivant soit un to + infinitif. Pense à ce que tu as l'intention de faire.
I intend to finish this project by Friday.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbes avec 'To': Décider, Promettre, Gérer (Infinitifs Seulement)
💡

Regroupe les verbes similaires

Essaie de regrouper les verbes qui ont un sens proche (par exemple, 'enjoy', 'like', 'fancy'). Ça aide ton cerveau à les associer au gérondif. "Try grouping verbs with similar meanings (e.g., 'enjoy', 'like', 'fancy') to help your brain connect them to the gerund pattern."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbes suivis uniquement d'un gérondif : Le Club du '-ing'
💡

Le contexte est roi !

Demande-toi toujours si tu parles d'un souvenir ou d'une intention. C'est la clé pour choisir entre
I forgot meeting him
et
I forgot to meet him.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbes à Sens Changeant (Gérondif vs Infinitif)
💡

Complet vs En cours

Retiens bien : l'infinitif court signifie que t'as vu l'action entière. La forme en -ing suggère que t'as capté l'action en plein milieu :
I saw him painting the fence.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sens et Phrases : Verbes de Perception

Vocabulaire clé (5)

Manage to succeed in doing something Perception the ability to see, hear, or become aware Collocation words that naturally go together Infinitive the base form of a verb Gerund the -ing form of a verb used as a noun

Real-World Preview

briefcase

Office Meeting

Review Summary

  • Verb + to + base
  • Verb + -ing
  • Verb + -ing/-to
  • See/Hear + Object + -ing
  • Adj + Prep
  • Verb + Part + Part
  • Do (task) / Make (create)
  • Noun + Prep
  • Verb + Object + to
  • Having + V3

Erreurs courantes

Enjoy is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. It's a common error for many learners.

Wrong: I enjoy to read.
Correct: I enjoy reading.

In this phrasal verb, 'to' is a preposition, so it must be followed by a gerund.

Wrong: I look forward to hear from you.
Correct: I look forward to hearing from you.

Homework is a task, so we use 'do'. 'Make' is for creating something new.

Wrong: I made my homework.
Correct: I did my homework.

Règles dans ce chapitre (10)

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job! Keep practicing these patterns in your daily conversations.

Write a journal entry using 5 new patterns.

Pratique rapide (10)

Fill in the blank.

He ___ a profit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: made
Profit is a result.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Do or Make: Choosing the Right Verb

Choose the correct form.

He seems ___ (to be working/to have worked) right now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to be working
Ongoing action.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Complex Infinitive and Gerund Forms: To Have Done, Having Done, To Be Doing

Choisis la bonne forme

I heard the baby ___ (cry/crying) from its room all night.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: crying
On utilise la forme en '-ing' car l'action a duré toute la nuit ('all night').

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sens et Phrases : Verbes de Perception

Fill in the blank.

She appears ___ (to be waiting/to have waited) for hours.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to have been waiting
Perfect continuous.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Complex Infinitive and Gerund Forms: To Have Done, Having Done, To Be Doing

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

I made the dishes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I did the dishes
Dishes is a chore.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Do or Make: Choosing the Right Verb

Trouve et corrige l'erreur

She watched him to walk away without saying goodbye.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She watched him walk away without saying goodbye.
Après 'watched', on utilise l'infinitif sans 'to' pour une action complète.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sens et Phrases : Verbes de Perception

Quelle phrase est correcte ?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They saw her dance gracefully on stage.
La structure correcte est 'verbe de perception + objet + infinitif sans to'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Sens et Phrases : Verbes de Perception

Fill in the blank.

There is a lack ___ resources.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: of
Lack takes 'of'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Noun + Preposition Collocations: Reason for, Advantage of, Lack of

Choisis la bonne forme pour compléter la phrase.

He stopped ___ (smoke) years ago for his health.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: smoking
Ici, 'stopped smoking' signifie qu'il a arrêté l'habitude de fumer.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbes à Sens Changeant (Gérondif vs Infinitif)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

She avoids to talk about her past experiences.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She avoids talking about her past experiences.
'Avoid' est un verbe qui prend un gérondif. La forme correcte est 'avoid + -ing'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verbes suivis uniquement d'un gérondif : Le Club du '-ing'

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

La règle de base est que les verbes comme decide, promise et manage sont suivis de to + la forme de base d'un autre verbe (un infinitif). Par exemple :
I decided to leave.
Ils transmettent souvent des intentions, des actions futures, des buts ou la réussite (ou l'échec) d'une tâche. C'est comme pointer vers quelque chose qui reste à faire ou à accomplir.
I hope to succeed.
Un gérondif, c'est la forme en -ing d'un verbe qui fonctionne comme un nom. Par exemple, dans 'I enjoy reading', 'reading' est un gérondif, agissant comme l'objet direct de 'enjoy'.
C'est surtout une question de convention et d'usage en anglais au fil du temps. Ces verbes expriment généralement une action comme une activité ou une expérience, plutôt qu'un objectif ou une intention, ce que les infinitifs véhiculent souvent.
C'est simple : stop smoking veut dire que tu arrêtes la cigarette. Stop to smoke veut dire que tu t'arrêtes de marcher pour en griller une.
Pas vraiment. Entre I like swimming (plaisir général) et
I like to swim
(habitude), la différence est subtile, pas radicale comme avec 'stop'.