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VERB PATTERNS (gerund & infinitive)

Also known as verbal complements. We can divide them into several groups:


(1) VERB + GERUND (-ing)

  • often used when discussing actions that are general or habitual

  • used after specific verbs

Examples:

Joe feels like staying at home this weekend.

They suggested going to the cinema.

I can't help laughing.


  • used after prepositions

    Even TO can be a preposition, for example in these phrases:

    • get used to (zvyknout si na)

    • look forward to (těšit se na)

    • object to (vznášet námitky proti)

    • adjust to (přizpůsobit se)


Examples:

I have to get used to getting up much earlier for my new work.

We are looking forward to meeting you.


(2) VERB + TO INFINITIVE

  • this pattern is often used when expressing intentions, decisions, or future actions

  • used after specific verbs (slovesech)

Examples:

She decided to email him first.

I hope to see you soon.

We are planning to go to Australia.


  • used after adjectives (přídavných jménech)

    Lenka is happy to present the topic.

    Martin is eager to improve his English.

    It's interesting to see how the world has changed.


  • to express purpose (věty účelové s ABY)

    I went to the store to buy some groceries.

    She studies hard to pass the exam.

    He left early to avoid the traffic.

    The company hired more staff to improve customer service.


  • be to do sth - to express formal arrangements, instructions, obligations, or future events

    The president is to give a speech at the conference tomorrow.

    All students are to submit their assignments by Thursday.

    If we are to succeed, we must work together.


(3) VERB + OBJECT + TO INF.

  • some verbs take an object (a noun or pronoun) followed by an infinitive

  • it's common when giving orders, making requests, or describing actions that involve other people

Examples:

The boss recommend Patricia to take part in soft skills training.

I told Honza to act as an adult.

We persuaded Tomas to work less.

She motivated Renata to go on holiday.


(4) VERB + BARE INFINITIVE (holý inf.)

  • typically used with modal verbs, ''make'', ''let'', or even ''help''

  • modal verbs: can, must, should, might, may, could, would


    Examples:

    She lets me drive her car.

    You may take your boyfriend with you.

    I can fly anywhere I want.

    George made her apply for a new job.


(5) VERB + (OBJECT) + GERUND

  • often related to perception or feeling

  • hear, catch, notice, see, find, watch


Examples:

Mike heard them arguing.

I noticed neighbours leaving in a different car.

We caught Jane sneaking out.

Eve found Marry going through her drawers.


(6) VERB + THAT CLAUSE

  • 'that clause' introduces additional information or explains a situation

  • verbs: say, believe, know, admit, suggest, recommend, agree


Examples:

She said that she would be late.

I know that you are busy.

They believe that he is innocent.



(7) VERBS THAT CHANGE MEANING


ONLINE PRACTICE:

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