by Sentenceworks
Verb Form Use
The Infinitive
The infinitive tense consists of the word “to” + root word. It’s called the infinitive because it does not connote past, present or future tense.
Here is a short list of some of the verbs which should be followed by the infinitive: plan, intend, decide, agree, refuse, pretend, wait, swear, hesitate, happen, claim, arrange, seem, yearn, learn, hope , appear, vow, tend, manage, fail, care, deserve, demand, offer, promise, ask, choose, expect, prepare, threaten, want, wish.
Verb + "someone do something"
When using a phrase like, “make somebody do something”, “let someone do something”, “watch someone do something”, or “bid someone do something”, the “do” verb is not written in the infinitive. While the infinitive is used with some similar phrases (for instance, it is used with “ask someone to do something”), it may not be appropriate in this type of sentence.
Incorrect: You will see you to learn quickly when you practice regularly.
With “see someone do something”, it is unnecessary to use the infinitive after the “someone”. The sentence would be better if written: You will see you learn quickly when you practice regularly.
After "Seem", Use The Infinitive
After using the verb, “seem”, the infinitive form of the verb is required. Naturally, this includes the verb, “to be”.
Incorrect: Nothing is guaranteed to be what it seems be.
The final “be” should be changed from the root word to the infinitive: Nothing is guaranteed to be what it seems to be.
Incorrect: The alternative music scene seems be expanding at a great rate.
“To” should be inserted after “seem”, to create the infinitive.
Gerunds
A gerund is the a verb ending in “ing”. The verb is the root word with “ing” stuck on the end.
Here is a list of some of the verbs which, in all tenses, should be followed by a gerund: mind, admit, avoid, complete, delay, deny, imagine, mention, postpone, report, resist, risk, anticipate, appreciate, tolerate, understand, resent, consider, despise, dislike, keep, miss, practice, recollect, involve, defend, suggest, recall, recommend, discuss, enjoy.
Incorrect: One cannot imagine to survive the horrors of war unless one has actually done so.
The verb, “imagine”, should be followed by a gerund. The sentence would be better written, “One cannot imagine surviving the horrors of war unless one has actually done so.”
Infinitive Vs. Gerund
Infinitives and gerunds do not have clear rules defining their usage; it’s a matter of learning the language and learning what “sounds right”.
With Possibility or Chance
When talking about the chances or possibilities of something happening, consider the following:
· When using “possibility”, always use “of” + gerund.
· Ratios and percentages are always followed by “of” + gerund.
· With “chance”, it’s a matter of meaning, and “sounding right”.
Incorrect: Is there a possibility to see you tonight?
When discussing the “possibility” of something happening, use “of” + a gerund instead of the infinitive: Is there a possibility of seeing you tonight?
Incorrect: She has a one-in-three chance to be chosen for the promotion.
Following a ratio or a percentage, “of” + a gerund should be used instead of the infinitive.
Correct: I have a chance to go to Europe.
Correct: I have a chance of going to Europe?
The sentence which uses the infinitive means “I have an opportunity to go to Europe”, while the sentence which uses “of” + a gerund means “There is a possibility I may go to Europe”. When using “chance”, select the meaning which is appropriate for your sentence.
Gerund After “Go”
When using two verbs, the first one being “go”, the second verb should be a gerund (verb ending in “ing”). This verb arrangement is commonly used with sports: “Do you want to go swimming?”, or “I think I’ll go jogging tomorrow morning.”
Incorrect: The pilot lost his license because he went to fly while under the influence of alcohol.
The verb, “went”, is the past tense of “go”, so it must be followed by a gerund: The pilot lost his license because he went flying while under the influence of alcohol.
Incorrect: Do you think you will go to bike on the weekend?
The verb, “will go” is the future tense of “go”, so it must be followed by a gerund: Do you think you will go biking on the weekend?
After “Need Not”
After the phrase, “need not”, the next verb should be in its root form (which is usually the same as the infinitive, but without “to”). This rule applies regardless of verb tense or person.
Incorrect: He need not to finish that paper because the deadline has already passed.
“To” should be removed from this sentence, because it follows the phrase, “need not”. “Finish” is left in its root form.
After Rather, Better and Had Better
After “rather”, “better”, and “had better”, use the root form of the verb.
Incorrect: Would you rather to go shopping or to see a movie?
The infinitive verbs, “to go” and “to see”, are not necessary after using the word, “rather”. The sentence should be written: Would you rather go shopping or see a movie?
In Why (Not) Do Something
When posing a question using the word, “why”, we can phrase it in general terms rather than referring to something specific. When we do this, the verb after “why” uses its root form. This also applies if the question is in the negative.
Incorrect: Why not to use this big hammer instead of a smaller one?
“To” should be removed from this sentence, because it follows, “why (not)”. The phrase should be, “why not use this big hammer…”
Make+ Adjective
When we use “make” + adjective, there is no need to use “be” or “become” between “make” and the adjective. The action of “being” or “becoming” is already implied by the phrase, so the use of these words is redundant.
Incorrect: Consistent practice will make him become a better athlete.
“Become” can be removed from this sentence, because the action is already implied in the phrase, “make him a better athlete”.
Was/Were(Not) + Being+ Past Participle
After using the past progressive tense of the verb, “to be” (was/were being…), one should use the past participle. For regular verbs, the past participle is the past tense verb, frequently ending in “ed”. For irregular verbs, consult a dictionary (e.g. forget/forgot/forgotten)
Incorrect: I was being dressing for success by my younger sister.
The past progressive verb, “was being”, is followed by the present participle; “dressing” should be changed to “dressed”, the past participle.
Incorrect: They were not being remind of the impending due dates for their projects.
The past progressive verb, “were not being”, is followed by the present tense; “remind” should be changed to “reminded”.
Has/Have/Had(Not) + Past Participle
When using the past or present progressive tense of a verb, (has/have/had …), one should use the past participle after has/have/had. For regular verbs, the past participle is the past tense verb, frequently ending in “ed”. For irregular verbs, consult a dictionary (e.g. forget/forgot/forgotten)
Incorrect: I have not wanting to be part of this team for some time.
After “I have not”, the past participle of “want” should be used: wanted.
Have/Has/Had+ (Not) + Been+ Present Or Past Participle
After using the past or present tense of the verb “to have” (have, has, had) , the following verb should use either the past or present participle. In these cases, the second verb may act like an adjective. This situation applies even if the case is negative (using “not”).
Incorrect: The dentist notes the patient had not been floss his teeth.
In the past perfect continuous, “had not been”, the final verb should be in the present participle, “flossing”.
Incorrect: I have been warn to stay away from that man.
In the present perfect continuous, “have been”, the final verb should be in the past participle, “warned”.
Am/Is/Are/Was/Were(Not) + Present Or Past Participle
After using the past or present tense of the verb, “to be”, the following verb should use either the past or present participle. In these cases, the second verb may act like an adjective. This situation applies even if the case is negative (using “not”).
Incorrect: I am tire.
After the present tense of the verb, “to be”, the second verb should use the past participle, “tired”.
Incorrect: I am tire easily; I think I am getting sick.
After the present tense of the verb, “to be”, the second verb should use the present participle, “tiring”, because the action is continuous.
Past Participle and Auxiliary Verbs
With the exception of the simple verb forms, most verb forms require at least two verbs. If the past participle has been used without an auxiliary verb (helper verb), the reader does not understand when the action occurred. Use caution with verbs which have irregular participles. If there is a past participle in your sentence, add an auxiliary verb or change the verb tense to past simple.
Incorrect: The dog bitten the small boy’s hand.
The past participle, “bitten”, has not been used correctly. The verb tense could be changed to the past or present perfect tense (the dog had bitten… or the dog has bitten…), or it could be changed to the past simple tense: The dog bit the small boy’s hand.
With A Verb Clause
When using a verb clause, one must ensure all verbs are in the proper form. In this case, the present tense auxiliary verb (helper verb) must agree with the pronounin the clause, and the main verb should be in root form.
Incorrect: They does not wanting to go to school today.
Both verbs in this clause are incorrect. The present tense auxiliary verb, “does” does not agree with the pronoun, “they”; this verb should be changed to “do”. The main verb, “wanting” should be changed to the root form, “want”.
Incorrect: We doesn’t eats lunch.
The auxiliary verb does not agree with the pronoun, “we”; this verb should be changed to “don’t”. The main verb should be changed to the root form, “eat”.
Infinitive With To Be Able
The phrase, “be able” is generally followed by “to do something”. Verbs following “able” should be in the infinitive (i.e. to + root form). This rule applies regardless of the tense of the sentence.
Incorrect: Are you proud of being able speak 4 languages?
“Being” is a form of “to be”, so “able” must be followed by the infinitive: Are you proud of being able to speak 4 languages?
Incorrect: We were able reserved an early table at the restaurant, so we will be able will finish eating before going to the movies.
“We were” is the past tense of the verb “to be”, and “we will” is the future tense; in each clause, “able” should be followed by the infinitive: We were able to reserve an early table at the restaurant, so we will be able to finish eating before going to the movies.
Correct: I want to be able to sew.
Even though there is already an infinitive in this sentence, the infinitive after “able” is correct.
Misuse of the Progressive Tense
The progressive tense is used in situations when an action is (or was, or will be) happening for a certain amount of time; that time should have a clear beginning and end. Take, for instance, the sentence “His heart was beating in his throat.” The sentence is in past tense so we know the action has stopped, which gives it a clear end (in any case, one does not have one’s heart beating in one’s throat for a long time). However, with a verb like “to want”, the beginning and ending may not be so clear. “She wants to be a teacher when she grows up”; it is difficult to pinpoint when she began wanting to be a teacher, or when she will no longer want to be a teacher.
If the beginning and end of the action is not clear, generally the past, present or future simple tense should be used.
Incorrect: The woman was appearing very tired.
“To appear” is a verb which is not used in the progressive tense. The verb should be changed to the past simple: appeared.
Incorrect: I will be knowing the answer to your question after I read this article.
The future progressive verb “will be knowing” should be changed to the future simple: I will know....
Verb Form Use: future passive without “be”
To make a verb passive, the verb “be” is put in front of the past tense verb; for example, the passive form of “to stop” is “to be stopped”. To set this in the future, the verb “will” is put in front of the passive verb: will be stopped. All three verbs are necessary to make it the future passive tense.
Incorrect: On the evening of the concert, all 1000 seats will filled.
“Be” should be inserted between “will” and “filled”: will be filled.
Incorrect: Five bags of flour will needed to make enough bread for the soup kitchen.
“Be” should be inserted between “will” and “needed”: will be needed.
Simple Past Instead of Past Participle
Ensure you use the proper verb form when using the passive voice; the past participle should be used.
The passive voice refers to the action happening to the noun rather than the noun doing the action. The passive voice will have at least two verbs – usually a form of “to have” or “to be” followed by the past participle. The past participle is used like an adjective, so it doesn’t matter what tense the sentence is in. Frequently, this error is made because a verb has an irregular past participle; you can find the past participle in a dictionary or grammar book.
Incorrect: Last night, I was woke by the storm.
“Woke” is the simple past form of “to wake”. The past participle is “woken”. The sentence should be written: Last night, I was woken by the storm.
Incorrect: The two smaller companies are being took over by the larger company.
The simple past form “took” should be changed to “taken”.
Incorrect: The paper had been wrote by a friend of the student.
The past perfect tense requires the final verb to use the past participle: “wrote” should be changed to “written”.
Incorrect: If we sing the song once more, we will have sang the song 100 times!
“Sang” should be changed to “sung”.
Root Form After Auxiliary Verb “Do”
The root form of a verb can be found by looking at the infinitive: the root form of “to be” is “be”, and the root form of “to go” is “go”. After using the present tense auxiliary verb “do”, “does”, “don’t” or “doesn’t”, the next verb should be in its root form.
Incorrect: What’s the worst that will happen if I do taking a day off?
The verb “taking” should be changed to the root form, “take”: What’s the worst that will happen if I do take a day off?
Incorrect: The foreman doesn’t wanted the workers to take more than three breaks.
The verb “wanted” should be changed to the root form: The foreman doesn’t want....
Incorrect: What does she thinks of this painting?
“Thinks” should be changed to “think”.
Root Form After Auxiliary Verb “Did”
After using the past tense auxiliary verb “did” or “didn’t”, the next verb should be in its root form.
Incorrect: I did not saw my friend in class today.
The past tense verb “saw” should be changed to its root form: see.
Correct: I did not see my friend in class today.
Incorrect: What did they saying when they heard the story?
“What did they saying” should be changed to “what did they say”.
Conjugation of Verbs in a Compound Predicate
When a subject is followed by a compound predicate (look for the conjunction “and”), both verbs should use a co-ordinated tense: e.g. past simple tense, past perfect and past simple, future simple and present simple. The use of tenses should make chronological sense; past tense and future tense are not likely to work together in the same clause.
Incorrect: Before settling down to work, John made coffee and turns off his phone.
This sentence has two parts in the predicate: “made coffee” and “turns off his phone”. Both verbs in the compound predicate should use the same tense. Here are some options:
Correct:
· Past simple: Before settling down to work, John made coffee and turned off his phone.
· Present simple: Before settling down to work, John makes coffee and turns off his phone.
· Future simple and present simple: Before settling down to work, John will make coffee and turn off his phone.
· Past perfect and simple past: Before settling down to work, John had made coffee and turned off his phone.
When Asking A Question
When we are not using one of the question words (who; background: what, when, where, why, how), the phrasing of questions should be clear and grammatically correct for formal writing. By putting the auxiliary verb (helper verb) first, or by using a question tag (don’t you, will you, alright, no, hadn’t we, wouldn’t he), the question is clarified for the reader.
Incorrect: He wouldn’t do that for me?
It may be unclear to the reader whether this sentence is intended as a question or a statement. The sentence might be re-written with the auxiliary verb first: Wouldn’t he do that for me? The writer may also create emphasis with a question tag: He wouldn’t do that for me, would he?
Subject/Verb Agreement in Question Tag
A question tag is one or two words which changes a statement into a question, such as “don’t you?” and “right?”. The verb in the question tag must agree with the subject of the sentence, which is often found both in the main clause and as a pronoun in the question tag. Let’s look at this sentence: Mary likes chocolate, doesn’t she? The pronoun “she” refers to “Mary”, which is the subject of the sentence. The verb “doesn’t” has to agree with the subject, so we could look at either “Mary” or “she”.
Incorrect: You don’t want to write this essay today, does you?
The verb in the question tag, “does”, doesn’t agree with the subject “you”. The verb should be changed to “do”.
Incorrect: Michael has ordered the pizza already, haven’t he?
“Haven’t” should be changed to “hasn’t” so that it agrees with the subject “Michael” (and “he”).
Incorrect: They will be going to the party on Saturday, be they?
The verb “be” needs to agree with both “they” and “will be going” (which is in the future tense). The question tag could read “won’t they?” or “will they not?”
Unnecessary Infinitive In A Verb Phrase
When using a phrase like, “make somebody do something”, “let someone do something”, “watch someone do something”, or “bid someone do something”, the “do” verb is not written in the infinitive. While the infinitive is used with some similar phrases (for instance, it is used with “ask someone to do something”), it may not be appropriate in your sentence.
Incorrect: I want to have a repair man to fix the hole in the wall.
In the verb phrase, “have someone do something”, it is unnecessary to use the infinitive after the “someone”. The sentence would be better if written: I want to have a repair man fix the hole in the wall.
Incorrect: You will see you to learn quickly when you practice regularly.
With “see someone do something”, it is unnecessary to use the infinitive after the “someone”. The sentence would be better if written: You will see you learn quickly when you practice regularly.
Incorrect Verb Form After Infinitive, Before Noun
In certain forms, verbs can be used to describe a noun; they act like adjectives. In this case, we usually use the past participle to form the verb. Think of examples like “written apology” or “translated book”. Look for “adjective verbs” after using an infinitive verb (one which begins with “to”: to lift, to see). N.B.: Some verbs are irregular, so be sure to use the proper form.
Incorrect: Michael walked down to the gallery to see the finish sculptures.
“Finish” should be changed to the past participle “finished”, because the verb is being used as an adjective to describe “sculptures”.
Incorrect: The information station is to help confuse travellers.
The meaning of this sentence is changed entirely if the present tense of the verb is used. This sentence means the information station makes the travellers confused. If we change the verb to the past participle – “The information station is to help confused travellers.” – then the sentence means the information station stops the travellers from being confused.
Incorrect: We went to the garden to gather fell leaves for our project.
“To fall” has an irregular past participle; “fell” should be changed to “fallen”.
Wrong Verb Form After “In An Attempt To”
In the idiom “attempt to do something”, the “to” actually belongs to the verb which follows “attempt”. This second verb should be written in the infinitive; i.e. the root form should follow “to”. This applies to any idiom using “attempt to”, including “in an attempt to” and “attempted to”.
Incorrect: You should not attempt to disconnecting the electrical cord from the toaster.
The verb “disconnecting” should be changed to the root form to create the infinitive.
Correct: You should not attempt to disconnect the electrical cord from the toaster.
Incorrect: In an attempt to will stay awake and cram for the test, Mike takes several caffeine pills.
The future tense “will stay” should be changed to “stay” because it is part of the idiom.
Incorrect: Mike attempted to stayed awake all night by taking several caffeine pills.
Even though the sentence is in the past tense, “stayed” should be changed to “stay”. “Attempted” is already in the past tense, so the clause does not require another past tense verb.