Page 65 - English Vocabulary in Use Pre Intermediate
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29 Verb patterns
Verb + object
subject verb object
She proposed (= suggested fm) the plan at the meeting.
The travel agent confirmed (= said it was sure) —_ my reservation.
They discussed (= talked about ) the film for hours.
Verb + object + question word
subject — verb object question word
I told them where to find it.
She asked us why we wanted it.
He showed everyone — what to do.
Note: A common mistake is: ‘He explained me what to do.’ After explain + question word,
there is no direct object. We say: ‘He explained what to do / what I had to do.’
Verb + object + infinitive
subject verb object infinitive
She asked everyone to leave.
They told us to wait outside.
The doctor — advised him to stay in bed.
I wanted the others to help us.
He persuaded me to go to the party.
She warned them to be careful.
persuade = make somebody change their mind.
John wanted to get an IBM but I persuaded him to buy an Apple Macintosh.
warn = tell someone of a possible danger, and often tell them what they should(n’t) do.
She warned the children not to swim near the rocks.
Verb + (object) + (that) clause
subject — verb object —_ (that) clause
He said _ (that) it was good.
She suggested = — (that) we go together.
He insisted - (that) we work until 5 p.m.
They told him (that) it was expensive.
She warned me (that) it was dangerous.
insist = demand something strongly and not accept refusal.
She insisted that I stay with them (= she did not want me to stay in another place).
We can also use -ing after suggest, e.g. She suggested going there together.
Verb + (object) + preposition
He insisted on paying for the hotel. (Note: use the -ing form of the verb after a preposition)
They blamed the driver for the accident. (= they said he was responsible / it was his fault)
He complained (to the manager) about the bad service. (= he said he was not satisified)
The manager apologised (to the customer) for the bad service. (= the manager said sorry)
62 English Vocabulary in Use (pre-intermediate & intermediate)
