This volume investigates the complex structural relationships between English verbs and their associated grammatical patterns to improve learner proficiency. Author Susan Hunston, a prominent figure in corpus linguistics, utilizes extensive data from the COBUILD corpus to categorize how verbs function within specific syntactic environments. The text provides a systematic framework for understanding verb complementation, moving beyond traditional rote memorization to focus on the functional usage of language in real-world contexts.

The text is regarded as a foundational resource for educators and advanced learners seeking a data-driven approach to English syntax. Its reliance on the COBUILD corpus ensures that the patterns presented reflect actual usage rather than prescriptive rules, making it a standard reference in applied linguistics.