Verb patterns, also known as verb complementation or verb constructions, refer to the ways in which verbs are used with other words or phrases to form grammatically correct sentences.
Different verbs can take different patterns, and understanding these patterns is essential for constructing accurate and coherent sentences.
Types:
Transitive verbs: These verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. For example:
She eats an apple.
They built a house.
Intransitive verbs: These verbs do not require a direct object. They can stand alone and make complete sense. For example:
He laughed.
The birds flew.
Ditransitive verbs: These verbs take both a direct object and an indirect object. The indirect object usually receives or benefits from the action of the verb. For example:
She gave me a book.
They sent him a gift.
Linking verbs: These verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a complement, which provides more information about the subject. Common linking verbs include "be," "seem," "become," and "appear." For example:
She is a doctor.
He seemed happy.
Verb + infinitive: Some verbs are followed by an infinitive (the base form of a verb preceded by "to"). For example:
I want to eat.
They decided to go.
Verb + gerund: Some verbs are followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). For example:
She enjoys swimming.
He admitted stealing the money.
Verb + object + infinitive/gerund: Some verbs can be followed by both an object and an infinitive or a gerund. The choice between the two depends on the verb. For example:
I saw him eat an apple. (infinitive)
They heard her singing in the shower. (gerund)
Verb + preposition + object: Some verbs are followed by a preposition and an object. The preposition is necessary to complete the meaning of the verb. For example:
He apologized for his mistake.
They rely on their friends for support.