Life Pre-intermediate Unit 6a
Verb patterns
How do you learn new words?
Tick ( ) the techniques you use for learning new words in English.
A I translate it in my notebook in case I want to read it again later.
B I practise repeating the word a few times.
C I learn by listening to the new word.
D I need to write a sentence with it.
E I keep using it in conversation for the rest of the day.
How many did you tick? Can you think of any otherr techniques?
techniiques? Why
Why not
not try
tr y all
all of
of them?
them?
Presentation
The main verb in a sentence is sometimes followed by verb 1 preposition 1 -ing form
a second verb. This verb can be an infinitive or the When a preposition follows the first verb, the next verb
-ing form. uses the -ing form:
I want to read it again. Which of these techniques do you use for learning new
I keep using it in conversation. words in English?
The choice depends on the main verb. Some verbs I learn by hearing the new word.
are always followed by a to-infinitive; some verbs are Common verbs followed by a preposition + the -ing
followed by the -ing form. form: apologize for, learn by / from, plan on, stop from,
See Unit 73 for information about verbs that are thank for, think of / about, use for, worry about
followed by both forms.
verb 1 bare infinitive (infinitive without to)
verb 1 to-infinitive You use the bare infinitive (infinitive without to) with
Certain verbs are always followed by the to-infinitive form: do / does / did when you form negatives and questions
I want to read it again later. and with modal verbs, e.g. can, must, will:
Common verbs followed by to-infinitive: agree, decide, How do you learn new words?
expect, hope, learn, manage, need, offer, plan, promise, How many did you tick?
seem, want Can you think of any other techniques?
verb 1 -ing form
Certain verbs are always followed by the -ing form:
I keep using it in conversation for the rest of the day.
Common verbs only followed by the -ing form: consider,
dislike, enjoy, finish, imagine, involve, keep, mind,
postpone, practise, suggest
Practical Grammar 2 1 © National Geographic Learning
Pre-intermediate Unit 6a
Exercises
1 Complete the sentences with the correct words a, b or c.
1 I never learn by words down.
a write b to write c writing
2 Can we that film again? It’s great!
a watch b to watch c watching
3 Don’t keep your music up so loud.
a turn b to turn c turning
4 Did the owners of the company agree us more money?
a pay b to pay c paying
5 I hope a professional football player after school.
a become b to become c becoming
6 How many new words do you a day?
a learn b to learn c learning
7 My neighbour paid me for his car.
a clean b to clean c cleaning
8 Let’s postpone out tonight. I’m too busy.
a go b to go c going
9 This mp3 player doesn’t seem .
a work b to work c working
10 Are you going to apologise for your little sister?
a hit b to hit c hitting
2 Cross out to where necessary.
1 Can you to help me? 6 How long did you to work here?
2 Can you to stay late at work tonight? 7 Did you want to speak to someone?
3 They’ve decided to get married. 8 Will you to be able to finish the project on your own?
4 When do they to plan to get married? 9 You mustn’t to drive so fast on this road.
5 Do you want to try that exercise again? 10 I don’t expect to be back here for a while.
3 Complete the text with the correct form of the verbs. Then listen and check.
Good morning everyone and thank you for 1 coming (come)
today. Do you dislike 2 (look) for new words in a
thick, heavy dictionary? Can you imagine 3 (have)
instant access to the world’s biggest dictionary in every language?
Well, today I want 4 (present) the latest in
electronic dictionaries, the XtraLingo. It’s so simple that anyone can
5
(use) it. First of all, you need 6
(press) the ON button. Then you begin by 7
(type) in a word in English and the machine will automatically
8
(give) you the translation in any language.
And don’t worry about 9 (carry) it around because
the XtraLingo is the size of a mobile phone.
Practical Grammar 2 2 © National Geographic Learning
