Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises

Some verbs just like to be followed a certain way—and figuring that out can be like solving a fun puzzle! These Verb Patterns worksheets are designed to help learners build stronger, smoother sentences through practice and play. 

Verb Patterns Worksheets

  1.  

Task 1: Which patterns are possible after these verbs? What can you say after each verb? 

Task 2: What’s the mistake in each sentence? How can you correct it?

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 1Pin

2. Read the text and underline any verbs you can spot. Notice what verb patterns can you observe.

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 2Pin

3. Look at the verb patterns listed below. Write down your own examples of verbs which can follow the patterns.

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 3Pin

4. Sort out the verbs in the box. Which ones are followed by a verb in the infinitive? Which ones are followed by a verb in the -ing form?

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 4Pin

Use the correct form of the verbs from the previous exercise to complete the sentences below.

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 5Pin

Answer key: 

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 6Pin

Verb Patterns Worksheets and Exercises 7Pin

Verb Patterns Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Pattern

Direction:

Choose the correct verb pattern to complete each sentence. Circle A, B, or C.

Sentences:

  1. I hope ___ a new language this year.
    A) learning  B) learn  C) to learn

  2. She enjoys ___ in the garden on weekends.
    A) to work  B) working  C) work

  3. He agreed ___ us with the project.
    A) to help  B) helping  C) help

  4. They made me ___ the whole speech again.
    A) to repeat  B) repeating  C) repeat

  5. We decided ___ the movie after dinner.
    A) watching  B) to watch  C) watch

  6. The teacher encouraged the students ___ questions.
    A) ask  B) to ask  C) asking

  7. I can’t stand ___ in traffic.
    A) wait  B) waiting  C) to wait

  8. She asked me ___ her with the bags.
    A) help  B) helping  C) to help

  9. My parents let me ___ out with my friends.
    A) go  B) to go  C) going

  10. He suggested ___ to the beach instead.
    A) to go  B) go  C) going

Answer Key:

No. Correct Answer
1 C) to learn
2 B) working
3 A) to help
4 C) repeat
5 B) to watch
6 B) to ask
7 B) waiting
8 C) to help
9 A) go
10 C) going

Exercise 2: Verb Sorting

Direction:

Sort the following verbs into the correct category:

  • Verbs followed by gerunds (verb + -ing)

  • Verbs followed by infinitives (to + verb)

  • Verbs followed by object + infinitive (verb + someone + to + verb)

Verb List:

  • enjoy

  • plan

  • suggest

  • decide

  • ask

  • want

  • avoid

  • remind

  • promise

  • advise

  • invite

  • finish

  • hope

  • teach

  • allow

  • keep

  • expect

  • begin

  • recommend

  • tell

Answer Key:

Gerund Infinitive Object + Infinitive
enjoy plan ask
suggest decide remind
avoid want advise
finish hope invite
keep begin teach
recommend promise allow
  expect tell

Note: Some verbs (like begin, recommend, expect) may appear in multiple categories depending on usage, but are sorted here by their most common or basic pattern.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks

Direction:

Complete each sentence with the correct verb form (gerund, infinitive, or object + infinitive) according to the pattern. Use the verb in parentheses.

Sentences:

  1. I enjoy __________ in the morning. (jog)

  2. She asked me __________ her with the luggage. (help)

  3. They decided __________ the event until next week. (postpone)

  4. We avoided __________ about the problem. (talk)

  5. My mom allowed me __________ to the party. (go)

  6. He promised __________ the report by Friday. (finish)

  7. The teacher encouraged the students __________ more clearly. (speak)

  8. I can’t stand __________ in long lines. (wait)

  9. She suggested __________ a picnic at the park. (have)

  10. He told us __________ quiet during the presentation. (be)

Answer Key:

  1. jogging

  2. to help

  3. to postpone

  4. talking

  5. to go

  6. to finish

  7. to speak

  8. waiting

  9. having

  10. to be