What can follow a verb – Part II

Some verbs do not make complete sense without an expression of place. Examples are: live, get off etc.

She lives in Chicago.
He fell off the ladder.
She got off the bus.

Copular verbs

Some verbs are followed not by an object, but by a subject complement. These are called copular verbs.

He is a genius.
That looks beautiful.
I felt an idiot.

Verb + verb structures

Many verbs can be followed by forms of other verbs. Some verbs can be followed by infinitives (with or without to), some by -ing forms, some by past participles and some by clauses. Many verbs can be followed by two or more of these structures. It is necessary to know which structures are possible after each verb.

I enjoy swimming in the sea. (NOT I enjoy to swim in the sea.)
I hope to see him soon.
You seem to have upset her. (NOT You seem having upset her.)

Common verbs that can be followed by infinitives include the following:
afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, beg, begin, care, choose, consent, continue, dare, decide, expect, fail, forget, go on, happen, hate, help, hesitate, hope, intend, learn, like, love, manage, mean, neglect, offer, prefer, prepare, pretend, promise, propose, refuse, regret, remember, seem, start, trouble, try, want, wish

Common verbs that can be followed by an -ing form are:
admit, appreciate, avoid, consider, contemplate, delay, deny, detest, dislike, endure, enjoy, escape, excuse, face, fancy, finish, forgive, imagine, involve, mention, mind, miss, postpone, practise, put off, resent, resist, risk, stand, suggest, understand

Mother suggested consulting a doctor. (NOT Mother suggested to consult a doctor.)
I enjoy singing. (NOT I enjoy to sing.)
She has finished writing that novel.