Grammar: Verb Patterns
B2 Lesson 8: Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Why It Matters: Correct Verb Patterns
In English, when one verb follows another, the second verb sometimes changes its form. Using the correct pattern is essential for fluent, natural-sounding sentences.
I enjoy to walk by the river.
I enjoy walking by the river.
The Grammar Rules 📖
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts like a noun.
Rule 1: Common Verbs + Gerund
Some common verbs must be followed by a gerund. There is no simple rule for this, so it's best to learn them.
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| enjoy | I enjoy walking by the Sangker River. |
| finish | He needs to finish writing his report. |
| mind | Would you mind closing the door? |
| avoid | You should avoid driving too fast. |
| suggest | She suggested trying the noodles. |
| quit (or give up) | My father quit smoking years ago. |
| keep | He keeps working, even when he is tired. |
Rule 2: Prepositions + Gerund
This is a very reliable rule! If a verb comes directly after a preposition (like in, on, at, about, of, for, after, before), the verb MUST be in the gerund (-ing) form.
- I am interested in learning more about history.
- Thank you for helping me with my homework.
- Before leaving the house, I always check for my keys.
💡 Pro Tip: Gerunds vs. Infinitives
Some verbs (like like, love, hate, start) can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with little change in meaning (e.g., "I started to work" / "I started working"). However, the verbs in this lesson *require* a gerund. Always check a dictionary if you are unsure!
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise 1: Complete the Sentence
Put the verb in brackets into the correct gerund form.
- I really enjoy _______ (listen) to Cambodian music.
→ Answer: listening - Please finish _______ (clean) your room before you go out.
→ Answer: cleaning - She is very good at _______ (remember) people's names.
→ Answer: remembering (It follows the preposition 'at'.) - He suggested _______ (take) a tuk-tuk because it was too hot to walk.
→ Answer: taking
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write About Yourself
Complete these sentences with your own ideas using a gerund.
- I enjoy...
(Example: I enjoy reading books in my free time.) - After finishing my work today, I plan on...
(Example: ...I plan on meeting my friends for dinner.) - I try to avoid...
(Example: I try to avoid drinking too much coffee.)
Key Vocabulary
- Gerund A verb form which functions as a noun, ending in "-ing".
- Preposition A word that connects a noun to another word (e.g., in, at, for, on, about).
- Avoid To stay away from someone or something.
- Suggest To mention an idea or plan for other people to consider.