Complex Verbs in the Present Tense

Watch Video

Many inactive verbs can be paired with active verbs. Like is a great example. You can like a thing (noun) or an action (verb).

Common Inactive Verbs

like, want, need, have, hope, wish, try, go, begin, start, stop, keep

Start with the list above. Some verbs are in between active and inactive. These verbs often require a preposition before the second verb. This also happens with many active verbs. For instance: plan on going, talk about visiting, know about driving.

Verb + Infinitive

You can usually pair an inactive verb with an infinitive.
What is an infinitive? It is the base form of the verb. It is expressed as TO + Simple Present. Examples: to walk, to run, eat, to sleep.

I like to watch movies. I want to study English. I have to do my homework. I need to get a new job. I hope to make a lot of money. I wish to please everyone.

Verb + Present Participle

You can pair inactive verbs with the present participle.
You can also pair verbs related to active feelings with the present participle. Examples: enjoy, miss, love, hate.
What is the present participle? It is the -ing form of the verb. Examples: walking, running, eating, sleeping.
Examples: go shopping, go running, get going, begin playing, start paying, stop waiting, keep checking, enjoy playing, miss seeing.

I often go shopping. I usually go running on weekdays. I go skiing every winter. Let's get going. Let's begin playing the game. Let's stop waiting for John and go by ourselves. She keeps checking on her baby.

* Practice when to use the infinitive or the present participle with this Common Verbs List. *


Verb + Infinitive + Present Participle

I like to go shopping.
I want to get going
I need to start paying my bills on time.

TAKE THE QUIZ