Using two verbs together to add information about actions

Overview

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Double-verb structures with non-actions

This set of files deals with the ways in which two verbs can be used together, the first verb adding information about actions and events; however, double-verb structures are also commonly used with non-actions. In these examples, the first verb adds information about thoughts, perceptions and dislikes:

Years later, and after several trips to India, I started thinking about
Indians in Hong Kong (SCMP 4/6/94)

I did not know what to do. I was scared. I started to feel dizzy. (SCMP 21/10/92)

It was only years later that I stopped dreading those visits to the dentist. (Patient)

Double-verb structures are also commonly used in cases where the first verb represents a thought, eg She decided to go; likes and dislikes, eg She hated going; wants, eg She wanted to go; hopes, eg She hoped to go; and needs, eg She needed to go.

For further information about verb patterns associated with thoughts, likes, dislikes, wants, hopes and needs, see Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Overview.

Introduction
Adding information about an action
Two different types of double-verb structure
Using an infinitive or -ing form
Double-verb structures with non-actions
Students' problems
Teaching implications