Verb pattern

Verbs followed by to-infinitive

1) verb + to-infinitive -> aim, arrange, attempt, can't afford, decide, hope, intend, manage, offer, plan, refuse, seem, tend, try.

          She manage to stay in shape.

          We tend to go on camping holidays.

2) verb + (object +) to-infinitive -> expect, help, pay, prefer, want, would like.

          I wanted to go out but I couldn't afford to.

          I wanted her to go out with me, but she said she was busy.

3) verb + object + to-infinitive -> allow, encourage, force, invite, order, remind, teach, urge, warned (not).

          My father taught me to swim when I was five.

          My parents allowed me to go to the party.

Verbs followed by the -ing form

Verb + -ing form -> avoid, can't stand, consider, detest, dislike, don't mind, dread, enjoy, fancy, finish, keep, miss, spend/waste time.

          My mother keeps embarrasing me.

          I can't stand being the centre of attention.

Verb + preposition structures

Verb + preposition structure + -ing form -> accuse somebody of, apologise for, approve of, believe in, blame someone for, concentrate on, congratulate someone on, consist of, dream about/of, forgive someone for, insiste on, look forward to, object to, prevent someone from, rely on, specialise in, succed in, think of, worry about.

          Gina's mother succeeds in staying slim.
          I look forward to hearing from you.