Verb Patterns Exercises with Answers

Verb patterns are important for improving English grammar. They explain how verbs are followed by infinitives, gerunds, or clauses. It helps you to create clear, correct sentences. Mastering verb patterns will make your communication more effective. One of the best ways to build this skill is through consistent practice with verb patterns exercises.

In This Page

In this article, we offer verb patterns exercises with answers to help you learn and improve. These exercises include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), fill-in-the-blanks, matching activities, and sentence correction tasks. Each exercise is designed to enhance your understanding of common verb patterns, ensuring you use them correctly in both writing and speaking. With consistent practice, you’ll become more confident in your grammar skills.

1. Multiple-Choice Questions: Verb Patterns

Choose the correct verb form that follows the pattern in the sentence.

He decided _______ the meeting early.
(a) leaving (b) to leave (c) left (d) leaves
She enjoys _______ to music.
(a) to listen (b) listening (c) listens (d) listen
They promised _______ the project on time.
(a) to finish (b) finish (c) finished (d) finishing
I heard him _______ the guitar.
(a) play (b) to play (c) playing (d) plays
He suggested _______ a movie tonight.
(a) watching (b) to watch (c) watch (d) watches
We plan _______ to the park this weekend.
(a) to go (b) going (c) went (d) go
She stopped _______ the car for a moment.
(a) driving (b) to drive (c) drive (d) drove
They failed _______ the exam last semester.
(a) passing (b) to pass (c) pass (d) passed
She enjoys _______ coffee in the morning.
(a) to drink (b) drinking (c) drinks (d) drink
I need _______ more about this topic.
(a) to learn (b) learning (c) learned (d) learn

2. Fill-in-the-Blanks: Gerunds or Infinitives

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (gerund or infinitive).

She’s looking forward to _______ (meet) you.
I can’t help _______ (laugh) at that joke.
We managed _______ (finish) the task before the deadline.
He refused _______ (talk) about the incident.
They decided _______ (cancel) the trip.
The teacher encouraged us _______ (participate) in the event.
I enjoy _______ (read) books in my free time.
He promised _______ (help) with the project.
We avoided _______ (discuss) politics during dinner.
She asked me _______ (call) her later.

3. Sentence Correction: Correct the Verb Pattern

Find and correct the incorrect verb patterns in sentences.

She avoided to make a mistake.
I let him to go home early.
They planned going for a walk.
He admitted to steal the money.
We agreed helping him with the project.
She offered helping me with the assignment.
He denied to be involved in the issue.
They suggested to take a break.
He forgot sending the email.
I remembered to close the window before leaving.

Answer key:

Multiple-Choice Questions	Fill-in-the-Blanks	Sentence Correction
1. (b) to leave	1. meeting	1. She avoided making a mistake.
2. (b) listening	2. laughing	2. I let him go home early.
3. (a) to finish	3. to finish	3. They planned to go for a walk.
4. (a) play	4. to talk	4. He admitted stealing the money.
5. (a) watching	5. to cancel	5. We agreed to help him with the project.
6. (a) to go	6. to participate	6. She offered to help me with the assignment.
7. (a) driving	7. reading	7. He denied being involved in the issue.
8. (b) to pass	8. to help	8. They suggested taking a break.
9. (b) drinking	9. discussing	9. He forgot to send the email.
10. (a) to learn	10. to call	10. (This sentence is correct as is.)

FAQs

1. What are verb patterns?

Verb patterns are the ways verbs combine with other words, like infinitives (to + verb) or gerunds (verb + -ing). For example:
1. Verb + Infinitive: “She wants to eat.”
2. Verb + Gerund: “I enjoy eating.”
3. Verb + Object + Infinitive: “He told me to study.”
4. Verb + Object + Gerund: “They suggested waiting.”
5. Verb + Preposition + Gerund: “She’s interested in dancing.”
Some verbs can take either, but the meaning may change.

2. What are the six basic patterns of verbs?

The six basic verb patterns are:
1. S + V: “She sings.”
2. S + V + O: “He reads books.”
3. S + V + C: “She is a teacher.”
4. S + V + O + O: “She gave me a gift.”
5. S + V + O + C: “They elected him president.”
S + V + O + A: “She put the book on the table.”

3. How to teach verb patterns in English?

To teach verb patterns:
1. Explain the basics with simple examples.
2. Teach one pattern at a time with many examples.
3. Use visuals like charts to show sentence structure.
4. Give examples and have students identify patterns.
5. Practice together by creating sentences.
6. Correct mistakes and explain why.
7. Make it fun with games or quizzes.
8. Assign homework for extra practice.
This helps students learn step by step!