Introduction

At B2 level, accuracy is often about patterns rather than individual words. Many verbs do not simply take an object; they also require a second structure after the object, such as an infinitive or a gerund. These patterns shape meaning, tone, and correctness. In this unit, you will learn how to combine an object with an infinitive or an -ing form, and how small changes in form can create clear differences in meaning.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives
Identify common verb + object patterns; choose between object + to-infinitive and object + -ing; use verbs that allow both patterns with meaning changes; avoid frequent B2 errors with pronouns, passives, and reporting structures.

1) Verb + object + to-infinitive

This is one of the most productive patterns in English. The verb is followed by an object (a person or group), and then a to-infinitive that describes the action you want that person to do.

Pattern: verb + object + to + base verb

Examples: I advised him to apply early. / They persuaded us to stay. / The manager reminded everyone to sign the form.

Common verbs in this pattern: advise, allow, ask, beg, convince, encourage, expect, force, help, invite, order, persuade, remind, teach, tell, warn.

Important concept
With this pattern, the object is usually the “doer” of the infinitive action. In “She reminded him to call,” he is the person who should call.

2) Verb + object + -ing (gerund)

Some verbs take an object and then an -ing form, often to describe an activity already in progress, an experience, or something observed. This pattern is especially common with verbs of perception and with certain reporting verbs.

Pattern: verb + object + verb-ing

Examples: I caught him cheating. / We heard someone singing outside. / She kept me waiting for an hour.

Common verbs in this pattern: catch, find, hear, see, watch, notice, smell, feel; keep (someone) doing; leave (someone) doing.

3) Verbs of perception: -ing vs bare infinitive

With verbs like see, hear, watch, and notice, English often offers two options. The choice changes what you mean.

Object + -ing focuses on the action as ongoing or in progress.

Example: I saw her crossing the street. (I witnessed the action in progress.)

Object + bare infinitive (without to) often suggests the action is seen/heard as a complete event, from start to finish, or as a whole.

Example: I saw her cross the street. (I witnessed the whole crossing.)

Warning
Do not use to after perception verbs in the active voice: “I saw him to leave” is incorrect. However, in the passive, to is used: “He was seen to leave.”

4) Verbs that allow both patterns with a change in meaning

Some verbs can be followed by an object + to-infinitive or an object + -ing, but the meaning changes. This is where B2 learners can sound particularly precise.

Remember + object + to-infinitive means you did not forget a duty.

Example: Please remember me to tell Anna. (Do not forget to tell Anna on my behalf.)

Remember + object + -ing refers to a memory of the past.

Example: I remember him wearing a red coat. (I have a memory of that.)

Need + object + to-infinitive expresses necessity or instruction.

Example: We need you to confirm the booking.

Need + object + -ing is common in British English to mean “needs to be done.”

Example: The windows need cleaning. (They need to be cleaned.)

5) Pronouns and clarity with objects

Because these patterns depend on the object, pronoun choice matters. Use an object pronoun (me, you, him, her, us, them) rather than a subject pronoun (I, he, she, we, they).

Correct: She encouraged me to apply.
Incorrect: She encouraged I to apply.

When the object is long or complex, keep the sentence readable by placing the object immediately after the verb and before the infinitive or -ing form.

Example: They persuaded the committee responsible for safety to postpone the event.

Practice

Practice section
Complete each sentence with the correct verb pattern (object + to-infinitive, object + -ing, or bare infinitive where appropriate). Answers are provided for self-checking.