English Grammar

Verb Patterns

Subject + verb + to-infinitive

The infinitive is often used after be (is, am, are, was, were) to talk about an agreement or arrangement. It is also used to express a complaint, a protest etc.

The jury is to meet on the 20th of May.
We are going to the training camp.
They are to be married next month.
How long are we to wait like this?
The poor exile was never to see his native land again.

Be + to-infinitive is also used as a mild form of command.

Teacher says that you are to learn this poem by heart.
The scouts and guides are to wear their uniforms for the parade.

Subject + verb + object + infinitive

In this structure the infinitive expresses a completed action. A present participle in its place would indicate an action that is going on and not completed.

Newton saw the apple fall to the ground.
I saw her light a lamp.
We heard him cry for help.
They made me wait.
We saw the thieves break into the house.

Subject + verb + object + present participle

A present participle in this structure would indicate that the action is going on and not completed.

Newton saw the apple falling to the ground.
I saw her lighting a lamp.
We heard him crying for help.
We saw the thieves breaking into the house.

Sections in this Article Verb Patterns 1 Verb Patterns 2 Verb Patterns 3

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