Verb Patterns | Part III

Subject + verb + question word + infinitive

In this structure we use question word + infinitive as direct object.

• I don't know where to turn for help.
• We must find out what to do next.
• Let us decide when to start.
• Have you been told where to stay?
• I don’t know how to stop it.
• We must remember where to turn off the main road.
• Do you know what to look for?

Note that it is wrong to use 'What to do?' as a question. You must say 'What shall we do?' or 'What is to be done?'

The question word + infinitive can be changed into a noun clause.

• I don't know where to turn for help. (= I don't know where I should turn for help. )
• We must find out what to do next. (= We must find out what we should do next. )
• Let us decide when to start. (= Let us decide when we should start. )

Subject + verb + indirect object + question word + infinitive

• I will show you how to manage it.
• Could you tell me where to find a good hotel?
• Someone should teach you how to behave.
• A good dictionary tells you how to pronounce words.
• Please direct me how to get there.

Have (or get) + object + past participle

Getting something done by somebody else is expressed by the structure have (or get) + object + past participle.

• I must have my shoes mended. (OR I must get my shoes mended.)
• We got our house designed by a famous architect.
• She has had her photographs taken.
• She got her son trained as a mechanic.

The... the... with comparative adjectives

Comparison and contrast are expressed by the use of the ... the ... with comparative adjectives in parallel clauses. This structure is used to show proportionate increase or decrease.

• The less I see him the more I like him.
• The more he reads the less he understands.
• The older we grow the wiser we become.
• The richer one grows the greater one's worries.
• The higher you climb the colder it gets.

Sections in this article

Verb patterns
Verb patterns - part 2
Verb patterns - part 4
Verb patterns - part 5