Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring
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Teaching implications | page 2 of 7 |
Common patterns with thinking verbs
The most common pattern associated with verbs related to thinking is where the verb is followed by a that clause to represent an idea, an opinion or a fact:
We anticipate that in 24 hours or so the situation should be a lot clearer.
(Bank of English)I've no doubt the defendant believed that he was in love with the woman he killed. (SCMP 26/3/94)
I had assumed that all members of the audience would observe the law.
(SCMP 2/6/94)
The next most common pattern is where the verb is followed by a noun
group 
, including wh-clauses:
I anticipate the future, by reading the past. (Bank of English)
This reason is not to be added to all other relevant factors when assessing what you should do … (Bank of English)
Change in meaning depending on infinitive or -ing form
With actions, the first verb is typically followed by the -ing form. With a small number of verbs such as regret, forget and remember, the verb can be followed by the to-infinitive:
I remembered to go.
This means that "I remembered that I had to go, and I went." Note that the meaning changes if the verb is followed by the -ing form:
I remembered going.
In this case, the speaker is simply saying that he remembered the event of going.
For further information about thinking verbs, see 
Representing
thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent thoughts and
beliefs.
Introduction
Common patterns with thinking verbs
