Infinitives after Verbs with and without Objects
Infinitives (to + verb) follow specific patterns after verbs. Understanding these patterns will help you create grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences.
Verb+Infinitive
Structure: Subject + Verb + (not) + Infinitive
In this pattern, the subject of the main verb also performs the action of the infinitive.
Common verbs that follow this pattern:
- agree
- decide
- hope
- manage
- plan
- seem
- tend
- appear
- choose
- expect
- fail
- learn
- offer
- refuse
- try
Examples:
They agreed not to climb the mountain without an instructor.
She decided to study abroad next year.
We hope to visit Paris next summer.
He managed to finish the project on time.
They plan to move to a bigger house.
To make the infinitive negative, place “not” before it:
She promised not to tell anyone.
I decided not to go to the party.
Verb + Object + Infinitive
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + (not) + Infinitive
In this pattern, the object of the main verb performs the action of the infinitive.
Common verbs that follow this pattern:
- allow
- convince
- encourage
- teach
- tell
- urge
- warn
- advise
- force
- invite
- persuade
- remind
- require
Examples:
They warned us not to touch the exhibits. (We would not touch)
He did not convince us to hire him. (We would do the hiring)
The teacher encouraged the students to participate. (Students would participate)
My father taught me to drive. (I would drive)
Verb + (Object) + Infinitive (Optional Object)
Structure: Subject + Verb + (Object) + (not) + Infinitive
Some verbs can be used both with and without an object before the infinitive, with a change in meaning:
- Without object: The subject performs the infinitive action
- With object: The object performs the infinitive action
Common verbs that follow this pattern:
- ask
- expect
- need
- promise
- want
- would like
Examples without object:
I’d like to buy the lamp. (I’m buying it)
She promised to call me. (She will call)
We need to finish this today. (We will finish)
Examples with object:
We need you to finish this today. (You will finish)
I’d like you to buy that lamp. (You’re buying it)
She promised her mother to call every day. (She will call)
📝 Important Notes on Negation
To make the infinitive negative, place “not” before it:
She told me not to worry.
They asked us not to be late.
To make the main verb negative, place “not” before it:
She did not tell me to worry.
They did not ask us to be late.
Common Errors to Avoid
Don’t confuse verbs that take infinitives with those that take gerunds:
Correct: I enjoy swimming. (not “to swim”)
Correct: I hope to see you soon. (not “seeing”)
Don’t omit “to” with verbs that require infinitives:
Incorrect: They agreed
gotomorrow.Correct: They agreed to go tomorrow.
Ready to Master When to Use “To + Verb” in English?
Knowing when to use infinitives after verbs, especially with or without an object, is a fantastic step to speaking English more precisely and naturally. It’s how you correctly say “I want to learn” versus “She told me to leave“!
Do you want to practice these essential patterns and use them confidently in real conversations? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master infinitives after verbs and all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.
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