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A1–B2 reference tool

English Verb Patterns: -ing, Infinitives & Practice

Choose the form after a verb with confidence. Search a pattern, compare real examples and notice when changing the form changes the meaning.

The three-second decision

Do not translate the next verb word by word. First identify the pattern of the verb before it: enjoy reading, decide to read, ask me to read, or let me read.

-ing

enjoy reading

to + verb

decide to read

person + to

ask me to read

base verb

let me read

Search the verb pattern lab

A curated starter set of 27 high-use verbs. We will expand the data only after each entry has examples and a review note.

Jump to quiz

Showing 27 of 27 curated verbs.

Selected verb

avoid

B1

avoid doing

choose not to do something

We avoided taking the motorway.

Try to avoid checking your phone during study time.

Pattern note: Avoid is followed by -ing, not to + verb.

verb + -ing

Practice: choose the right pattern

Answer first, then read the explanation. The goal is to notice the structure, not to memorise an isolated answer.

Verb patterns: form and meaning

Question 1 of 10

Which sentence is correct?

Printable teacher worksheet

This short worksheet is designed for pair work or independent review. Learners should underline the first verb, circle the pattern and explain any change in meaning.

Part A: complete the sentence

  1. We avoided ______ (drive) during the rush hour.
  2. The tutor advised me ______ (slow) down.
  3. Would you mind ______ (repeat) the question?
  4. The coach made us ______ (practise) the drill again.
  5. Remember ______ (save) your work before closing the tab.

Part B: explain the meaning

  1. I stopped reading.
  2. I stopped to read the notice.
  3. She tried adding an example.
  4. She tried to add an example.
  5. They suggested taking the earlier train.
Show worksheet answers and teaching notes
  1. driving — avoid + -ing.
  2. to slow — advise + person + to-infinitive.
  3. repeating — Would you mind + -ing.
  4. practise — make + person + base verb.
  5. to save — remember to do means do not forget a needed action.
  6. The reading activity ended.
  7. Another activity paused so the speaker could read the notice.
  8. The speaker tested adding an example as a possible method.
  9. The speaker made an effort to add an example.
  10. A suggestion was offered; suggest is followed by -ing here.

Build a reliable verb-pattern habit

  1. Record the verb and its pattern together: avoid doing, not just avoid.
  2. Save one natural example and one common error.
  3. When two forms are possible, write the meaning difference beside each form.
  4. Use the quiz, then produce a sentence about your own life.

For a related grammar decision, practise reported speech, review all 12 English tenses, or use the audio flashcards to retrieve the verbs aloud.