1) Verb + object + to-infinitive
After the following verbs, we normally use the object before a to-infinitive. These verbs include force, persuade, ask, convince, get, expect, invite, teach, want, suggest, order, tell, assign, remind…
Example:
- They force him to go away.
- I expect you to come to my party.
- She suggests me to learn English.
2) Verb + object + ing-form
Some verbs must have an object before an ing-form. Other verbs like this include catch, discover, feel, hear, leave, notice, observe, see, spot, watch, find, overhear…
Example:
- The police found the man climbing the wall.
- She overheard them talking about the closure of the factory.
NOTE: However, this is not the case when these verbs are in the passive.
Example: The man was found climbing the wall.
3) Verb + (object) + ing-form
Some verbs can have an object or no object before an ing-form. Other verbs like this include detest, dislike, dread, envisage, hate, imagine, like, love, mind (in questions and negatives), miss, recall, regret, resent, risk, start, stop, stand, remember…
Example:
- They can’t stand (him) driving his old car.
- I remember (you) buying that jumper.
4) Verb + object + ing-form/bare infinitive
A few verbs such as feel, hear, notice, observe, overhear, see, and watch can be followed either by an ing-form or a bare infinitive, but the meaning may be slightly different.
COMPARE:
ç Verb + object + ing-form: We use verb + object + ing-form to suggest that the action is repeated or happens over a period of time.
Example: Did you hear those dogs barking most of the night?
ç Verb + object + bare infinitive: We use verb + object + bare infinitive to suggest that the action happens only once.
Example: I noticed him throw a sweet wrapper on the floor, so I asked him to pick it up.
ç Verb + object + ing-form: We use verb + object + ing-form to suggest that we watch, hear, etc. some of the action, but not from start to finish.
Example: I was able to watch them building the new car park from my office window.
ç Verb + object + bare infinitive: We use verb + object + bare infinitive to suggest that we watch, hear, etc. the whole action from its start to its finish.
Example: I watched him climb through the window, and then I called the police.
