Verb and Adjective Patterns

Reference

Common mistakes

1. She succeeded to win the prize. → She succeeded in winning the prize.
   succeed in + -ing
2. I'm thinking to buy a car. → I'm thinking of buying a car.
   think of + -ing
3. The noise prevented me to sleep. → The noise prevented me from sleeping.
   prevent from + -ing
4. I'm interested to join the club. → I'm interested in joining the club.
   interested in + -ing

Verb and Adjective Patterns — Exercises

Choose the correct pattern

Circle the correct answer.

1. She finally succeeded _____ the exam. (in passing / to pass / passing)
2. I'm not very keen _____ horror films. (on watching / to watch / in watching)
3. The snow prevented us _____ home. (from driving / to drive / driving)
4. Are you thinking _____ the job? (of taking / to take / about to take)
5. He's capable _____ much better work. (of doing / to do / for doing)
6. They congratulated her _____ the race. (on winning / for to win / to win)
7. I'm tired _____ for the bus every day. (of waiting / to wait / with waiting)
8. We decided _____ the earlier train. (to catch / catching / of catching)

Complete the pattern

Write the preposition and the -ing form of the verb in brackets.

1. Whether we go or not depends   the weather.
2. I'm really excited   to Japan. (go)
3. She's responsible   the team. (organise)
4. Nothing will stop me   my dream. (follow)
5. Please concentrate   your own work. (do)
6. He's famous   the fastest goal ever. (score)

Verb and Adjective Patterns — Answer Key

Choose the correct pattern

1. in passing — succeed in + -ing.
2. on watching — keen on + -ing.
3. from driving — prevent someone from + -ing.
4. of taking — think of + -ing.
5. of doing — capable of + -ing.
6. on winning — congratulate someone on + -ing.
7. of waiting — tired of + -ing.
8. to catch — decide + to (same subject).

Complete the pattern

1. on
2. about going
3. for organising
4. from following
5. on doing
6. for scoring