Verb patterns: B1 Word Skills Exercises

5 B1 Word Skills exercises on “Verb patterns”, with answers. Complete each task and check it straight away. Free, no account needed.

SkillWord Skills
LevelB1 Intermediate
Exercises5
Gaps41
Topic7 of 9

Before you start. 5 exercises. Fill each gap, then check your answers.

Exercise 1. Complete the text with the infinitive (with or without to) or -ing form of the verbs in brackets.

14 gaps
  • Three years ago, an Australian couple from Perth decided 1) (go) on holiday – permanently. In other words, they hoped 2) (stay) on holiday for years rather than days. So far, their trip has lasted for three years and they’re enjoying 3) (travel) so much that they will keep 4) (do) it for as long as possible.
  • Before the trip, Nicole Connolly ran a successful business. But the death of a family member made her 5) (think) about her life in a different way. She spent some time 6) (discuss) her ideas with Michael, her husband, and they ended up 7) (make) a decision: they agreed 8) (give up) their home and their jobs in return for freedom and adventure. But they couldn’t put their plan into action immediately. They went on 9) (work) for a year and managed 10) (save) some money. They then sold their house and their possessions. Finally, they could afford 11) (begin) their journey.
  • They started 12) (travel) and they’ve been on the road ever since. They’ve continued 13) (earn) some money by managing an online business, including a successful blog about their lifestyle. And although they miss their friends and family, they don’t miss their old life; they definitely prefer 14) (be) on holiday all the time.

0 of 14 answered

Exercise 2. Complete the sentences with the infinitive or -ing form of the verbs in brackets. Your answers will depend on the meaning.

8 gaps
  • 1
    She tried (open) her suitcase, but it was impossible without the key.
  • 2
    I’m not surprised you found the film confusing – you didn’t stop (talk) all the way through!
  • 3
    I keep waking up at 3 a.m. I’ve tried (go) to bed earlier, but it doesn’t help.
  • 4
    I’ll never forget (visit) India when I was a child.
  • 5
    I don’t remember (buy) this T-shirt. Maybe somebody gave it to me.
  • 6
    We often forget (turn) the computer off at night.
  • 7
    Before you go to bed, please remember (lock) the front door.
  • 8
    There was an icy wind, so she stopped (do) up her coat.

0 of 8 answered

Exercise 3. Complete the sentences so they are true for you. Use an infinitive in sentences 1 and 3 and an -ing form in 2 and 4.

4 gaps
  • 1
    I often forget
  • 2
    I don’t remember
  • 3
    I stopped
  • 4
    I stopped

Your own answers - there is no answer key for this task.

Exercise 4. Choose the correct verb forms.

8 gaps
  • 1
    We hope the Blue Mosque while we’re in Istanbul.
  • a   see      b   to see      c   seeing
  • 2
    I don’t mind as long as the plane isn’t delayed.
  • a   fly         b   to fly       c   flying
  • 3
    The driver didn’t let me on the coach until I’d finished my burger.
  • a)
      get        b   to get      c   getting
  • 4
    Ruby spent most of the journey because she’d had a late night.
  • a   sleep    b   to sleep      c   sleeping
  • 5
    My dad offered me a lift to the station.
  • a   give      b   to give     c   giving
  • 6
    The guard made me another ticket when I told him I’d lost the one I had.
  • a   buy       b   to buy      c   buying
  • 7
    Callum agreed his car on condition that they shared the driving.
  • a   take      b   to take      c   taking
  • 8
    We ended up with friends because we couldn’t afford a hotel.
  • a   stay      b   to stay       c   staying

0 of 8 answered

Exercise 5. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

7 gaps
  • 1
    My cousin stopped (use) his scooter when he bought a car.
  • 2
    She tried (start) her car, but nothing happened.
  • 3
    Don’t forget (come) and see us if you’re ever in the area.
  • 4
    I’ll always remember (visit) Menorca for the first time – it’s such a beautiful island.
  • 5
    Tyler went on (become) an airline pilot after he finished all his training.
  • 6
    We stopped (admire) the view when we reached the top of the mountain.
  • 7
    I tried (ask) the driver to turn down the heating, but he refused.

0 of 7 answered

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How to Practice

  1. 1Read each question carefully
  2. 2Write your answer or select the correct option
  3. 3Click “Check answers” to mark your gaps, or “Show answers” to see the answer key
  4. 4Review any mistakes and try similar exercises
  5. 5Move to the next exercise when ready