Some verbs are followed by infinitives (verb + infinitive). Other verbs are followed by an object before an infinitive (verb + object + infinitive).
First, let’s look at verbs that are followed by an infinitive. Here are the verbs that you need to know.
| afford | agree | appear |
| arrange | ask | attempt |
| can’t wait | care | choose |
| claim | consent | decide |
| demand | deserve | expect |
| fail | grow | hesitate |
| hope | hurry | intend |
| learn | manage | mean |
| need | neglect | offer |
| pay | plan | prepare |
| pretend | promise | refuse |
| request | seem | struggle |
| swear | threaten | volunteer |
| wait | want | wish |
| would like | yearn |
Follow this sentence pattern.
Subject + verb + infinitive…
- We intend to meet our new client next Friday.
- She decided to quit her job.
- He will volunteer to help.
- She threatened to kill me.
- I have managed to finish all my work.
- They pretended to be sleeping.
Remember that there are other ways to use these verbs. We do not always use them like this.
- I want pizza.
- I want to go home.
- I swear that it is true.
- I swear to protect you.
Now let’s take a look at verbs that are followed by an object before an infinitive. The object is usually a person in these sentences.
| advise | allow | ask |
| beg | cause | challenge |
| choose | enable | encourage |
| expect | forbid | force |
| get | help | hire |
| instruct | invite | need |
| order | pay | permit |
| persuade | promise | remind |
| request | require | teach |
| tell | urge | want |
| warn | wish | would like |
Follow this sentence pattern.
Subject + verb + object + infinitive…
- My father taught me to ride a bike.
- She invited Mark to see a movie.
- They challenged me to do better.
- I asked her to help.
- They begged us to stop singing.
Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive or an object before an infinitive.
| ask | choose | expect |
| get | help | need |
| want | wish | would like |
- I was asked to help.
- I asked her to help.
- I expect to win.
- I expect her to win.
- She would like to come.
- She would like him to come.
Infinitives are a key part of the English language. If you want to learn English or speak English well, then you must have a firm understanding of infinitives and when you use them. Make sure to study the other lessons about English infinitives and gerunds. Knowing them well will help you speak English fluently.
