ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the various arrangements that occur with verbs in clauses; this is called 'verb patterns'. The main reason why verbs are important grammatically is that they are the key element in the construction of clauses, since they determine what other elements appear. Basically the elements that are determined by the verb are the objects and predicatives that typically follow the verb. There are two types of object in standard treatments: direct and indirect. Subordinate clauses are common as direct objects, especially those clauses after certain verbs of saying and thinking. Both direct and indirect objects can become the subject in passives. Of the three 'primary auxiliaries', be, have and do, only the last two are included since they have more than one pattern as a main verb. The basic form of the verb serves as the infinitive, present tense and imperative.
