Skip to main content

verb + verb: other structures

Infinitives, -ing forms and clauses​

Many verbs besides auxiliaries can be followed by forms of other verbs (or by structures including other verbs). This can happen, for example, if we talk about our attitude to an action: the first verb describes the attitude and the second refers to the action. The second verb structure is often rather like the direct object of the first verb.

  • I hope to see you soon.
  • I enjoy playing cards.
  • I saw that she was crying.

Different structures are possible, depending on the particular verb. Some verbs can be followed by infinitives with or without to ((see here), some verbs can be followed by -ing forms with or without a preposition (see here), and some by clauses. Many verbs can be followed by more than one of these structures, often with a difference of meaning or use. For each verb, it is necessary to know which structures are possible.

  • We seem to have a problem. (not We seem having a problem.)
  • Can I help wash the dishes?
  • It’s not very easy to stop smoking. (not ... to stop to smoke.)
  • We’re thinking of moving. (not We’re thinking to move.)
  • I suggest that you see a solicitor. or I suggest seeing a solicitor. (not I suggest you to see a solicitor.)

Sometimes the first verb does not give information about the subject—it says more about the action which the second verb refers to.

  • I happened to see Alice the other day.
  • We’re starting to get invited to some of the neighbours’ parties.
  • My keys seem to have disappeared.

It is possible to have ‘chains’ of verbs following each other.

  • I keep forgetting to go shopping.
  • Don’t let me stop you working.
  • He seems to be trying to sit up.
  • I don’t want to have to get her to start telling lies.

verb + object + verb​

Many verbs can be followed by an object as well as a verb structure.

  • I’d like you to meet Sophie.
  • We all want you to be happy. (not We all want that you are happy.)
  • We’ve got to stop him making a fool of himself.
  • When are you going to get the clock repaired?
  • Nobody told me that you were here.
note

For more about verbs followed by infinitives and -ing forms, Infinitives, -ing forms and past participles after nouns, verbs, etc.

For causative structures like get the clock repaired, (see here).

For that-clauses after verbs, (see here), (see here).