B2 · 中高级 章节 8

Mastering Verb Patterns and Actions

10 总规则
92 例句
6 分钟
本章规则 快速练习

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.

你将学到什么

Ready to truly express yourself with precision? This chapter unlocks the secrets of verb patterns, like choosing between 'to do' or 'doing,' so you can speak and write with natural fluency and confidence. Get ready to master those tricky phrasal verbs and sound even more like a native speaker!

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.

章节指南

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.

关键例句 (8)

1

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

Decidí seguir una carrera en ciencias ambientales.

带“To”的动词：Decide, Promise, Manage (仅限不定式)
2

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

Ella prometió enviarme un mensaje cuando llegara a casa a salvo.

带“To”的动词：Decide, Promise, Manage (仅限不定式)
3

I really enjoy learning new languages.

Realmente disfruto aprender nuevos idiomas.

只跟动名词的动词：-ing俱乐部
4

Have you considered joining the university debate team?

¿Has considerado unirte al equipo de debate de la universidad?

只跟动名词的动词：-ing俱乐部
5

I remember `watching` that movie last year; it was fantastic!

Me acuerdo de haber visto esa película el año pasado; ¡fue fantástica!

意义改变的动词（动名词 vs 不定式）
6

Did you remember `to turn off` the lights before leaving?

¿Te acordaste de apagar las luces antes de salir?

意义改变的动词（动名词 vs 不定式）
7

I'm really `proud of` your success in the university project.

Estoy realmente orgulloso de tu éxito en el proyecto universitario.

形容词 + 介词 (为...骄傲，热衷于...)
8

My little brother is very `keen on` playing video games all day.

Mi hermano pequeño está muy interesado en jugar videojuegos todo el día.

形容词 + 介词 (为...骄傲，热衷于...)

技巧与窍门 (4)

💡

The 'Future' Hint

Verbs followed by 'to' often point to the future (deciding to do something later, promising for later).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 带“To”的动词：Decide, Promise, Manage (仅限不定式)
💡

The 'Sound' Test

Try to 'hear' the sentence in your head. 'I suggest going' sounds smoother than 'I suggest to go' once you get used to it.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 只跟动名词的动词：-ing俱乐部
💡

The Memory Test

If the action happened in the past, use -ing. If the action is a task for the future, use 'to'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 意义改变的动词（动名词 vs 不定式）
💡

全过程 vs. 片段

如果你目睹了事情的“始末”，用原形；如果只是“路过看到正在进行”，用 -ing。比如：
I saw her finish her homework.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 感官与句子：感官动词

核心词汇 (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

常见错误

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

Wrong: I enjoy to read.
正确: 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.
正确: 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.
正确: I did my homework.

本章规则 (10)

1

带“To”的动词：Decide, Promise, Manage (仅限不定式)

B2
Mastering verbs followed by 'to' + infinitive makes your English sound natural and precise.
I **decided to pursue** a career in environmental...
12 例句
2

只跟动名词的动词：-ing俱乐部

B2
Mastering these 'gerund-only' verbs makes your English sound natural and fluent.
I really enjoy learning new languages.
12 例句
3

意义改变的动词（动名词 vs 不定式）

B2
Mastering these forms prevents hilarious misunderstandings and sharpens your English precision.
I remember `watching` that movie last year; it was...
12 例句
4

感官与句子：感官动词

B2
掌握感官动词，你就能像导演一样切换镜头：用 bare infinitive 拍全景，用 -ing 拍特写。
I heard the rain *fall* on the windowpane just as...
12 例句
5

形容词 + 介词 (为...骄傲，热衷于...)

B2
Mastering adjective-preposition pairs makes your English sound natural and super precise.
I'm really `proud of` your success in the universi...
12 例句
6

三部分短语动词 (get on with, look forward to)

B2
Mastering three-part phrasal verbs unlocks natural, fluent English in everyday situations.
I'm really looking forward to the concert tonight.
12 例句
7

Do or Make: Choosing the Right Verb

B2
Do is for activities, tasks, and work (often undefined or general). Make is for creating, producing, or causing something. Many collocations must simply be learned.
5 例句
8

Noun + Preposition Collocations: Reason for, Advantage of, Lack of

B2
Many nouns in English are followed by a fixed preposition. These collocations cannot be guessed from grammar alone — they must be learned as fixed chunks.
5 例句
9

Verb + Object + Infinitive or Gerund: Want Him to Go, See Her Leaving

B2
Many verbs take an object followed by either a to-infinitive or a bare infinitive or -ing form. The pattern depends on the verb — it must be learned for each.
5 例句
10

Complex Infinitive and Gerund Forms: To Have Done, Having Done, To Be Doing

B2
Beyond basic -ing and to-infinitive, English has perfect and continuous forms: to have done (completed before now), having done (completed before the next action), to be doing (in progress at a time).
5 例句

Next Steps

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

Write a journal entry using 5 new patterns.

Continue to: Reporting and Passive Voice

快速练习 (10)

Choose the correct form of the verb.

I really enjoy ___ to music while I work.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: listening
Enjoy is followed by a gerund.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 只跟动名词的动词：-ing俱乐部

Choose the correct verb.

___ me a favor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Do
Fixed collocation.

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

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

There is a lack in time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: There is a lack of time.
Lack takes 'of'.

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

Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.

The reason ___ the delay is traffic.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: for
Reason always takes 'for'.

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

Complete the sentence with the correct particles.

I'm really looking forward ___ ___ my vacation next week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to seeing
The phrase is 'look forward to' and it must be followed by the -ing form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 三部分短语动词 (get on with, look forward to)

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Choose the correct option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I managed to finish the race.
'Manage' requires 'to' + base verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 带“To”的动词：Decide, Promise, Manage (仅限不定式)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

I told her not go.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I told her not to go.
Negative infinitive is 'not to'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verb + Object + Infinitive or Gerund: Want Him to Go, See Her Leaving

Fill in the blank.

I need to ___ my homework.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: do
Homework is a task.

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

Find the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

He ran out money yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: missing 'of'
The correct form is 'run out of [something]'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 三部分短语动词 (get on with, look forward to)

Correct the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

He suggested to go to the beach.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He suggested going to the beach.
Suggest cannot be followed by an infinitive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 只跟动名词的动词：-ing俱乐部

Score: /10

常见问题 (6)

Yes, it is common in spoken English, but in formal writing, not to go is preferred.
No. Can shows general ability, while manage to shows you actually did something difficult.
In English, 'suggest' is a verb that describes a concept or a possibility, which requires a gerund or a 'that' clause. Using 'to' is a grammatical error based on the pattern of other verbs like 'want'.
No, 'like' can be followed by both a gerund ('I like swimming') and an infinitive ('I like to swim') with very little difference in meaning.
No, 'start to rain' and 'start raining' are the same.
Use it in formal situations to give bad news, like a job rejection.
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