Verbs That Are Followed By Infinitives

Verbs that are followed by infinitives are a fundamental aspect of English grammar, enabling us to express a wide range of ideas from intentions and obligations to possibilities and predictions. Mastering these verb patterns enhances both writing and speaking skills, allowing for more precise and fluent communication. This article delves into the intricacies of verbs followed by infinitives, offering explanations, examples, and practical tips to solidify your understanding.

Introduction

In English grammar, certain verbs are naturally followed by an infinitive form of another verb. An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to," such as to run, to eat, or to study. The correct usage of these verb-infinitive patterns is crucial for constructing grammatically sound and meaningful sentences. Recognizing which verbs can or must be followed by infinitives helps avoid common errors and improves overall language proficiency.

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the basic form of a verb. It usually appears with the particle "to" before it, forming what is known as the to-infinitive.

• Examples:
  • to read
  • to write
  • to think
  • to be
  • to understand

The infinitive form can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence, adding versatility to its role.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Many verbs in English can be followed by infinitives. Here are some of the most common ones, categorized for clarity:

Verbs of Intention or Desire

These verbs express what someone wants, intends, or hopes to do.

• Want: This is one of the most frequently used verbs to express a desire or need.
  • Example: I want to travel the world someday.
• Wish: Similar to want, but often used to express something less likely or more formal.
  • Example: I wish to see you again soon.
• Hope: Expresses a positive expectation about a future event.
  • Example: They hope to win the competition.
• Plan: Indicates a prepared intention or arrangement.
  • Example: We plan to visit our relatives next month.
• Intend: Similar to plan, but can also express a personal determination.
  • Example: I intend to finish this project by Friday.
• Desire: A more formal way of expressing a want or wish.
  • Example: She desires to become a doctor.
• Long: Expresses a strong yearning or desire.
  • Example: He longs to return to his hometown.

Verbs of Agreement or Promise

These verbs involve an understanding or commitment to do something.

• Agree: Indicates consent or willingness to do something.
  • Example: They agreed to help us with the moving.
• Promise: A declaration assuring that one will do something.
  • Example: He promised to call me later.
• Vow: A solemn promise.
  • Example: She vowed to protect the innocent.
• Swear: Similar to vow, often used in legal or formal contexts.
  • Example: I swear to tell the truth.
• Offer: To present something for acceptance or rejection.
  • Example: They offered to pay for dinner.

Verbs of Decision or Choice

These verbs relate to making decisions or selections.

• Decide: To make a choice after considering options.
  • Example: I decided to study abroad.
• Choose: To select one option over others.
  • Example: We chose to stay home instead of going out.
• Elect: To select by vote.
  • Example: The members elected to postpone the meeting.

Verbs of Learning or Ability

These verbs concern the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

• Learn: To gain knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught.
  • Example: I learned to play the guitar last year.
• Know: To have knowledge or be aware of something (often used with how).
  • Example: I know how to fix this problem.
• Figure out: To find an answer or solution to something.
  • Example: We need to figure out how to solve this puzzle.

Verbs of Opportunity or Failure

These verbs relate to the chance to do something or the inability to do it.

• Get: To have the opportunity or permission to do something.
  • Example: I get to go to the concert tonight.
• Fail: To be unsuccessful in achieving a goal.
  • Example: He failed to pass the exam.
• Neglect: To fail to take care of something or to do something.
  • Example: She neglected to lock the door.

Verbs of Seeming or Pretending

These verbs involve appearances or false representations.

• Seem: To give the impression of being something or having a particular quality.
  • Example: He seems to be happy.
• Appear: Similar to seem, but can also refer to a physical appearance.
  • Example: She appears to be tired.
• Pretend: To behave as if something is true when it is not.
  • Example: They pretended to be asleep.

Verbs of Persuasion or Encouragement

These verbs involve influencing someone to do something.

• Ask: To request or inquire.
  • Example: I asked him to help me.
• Tell: To instruct or order.
  • Example: She told me to be careful.
• Advise: To offer guidance or recommendations.
  • Example: They advised us to stay home.
• Encourage: To give support or confidence.
  • Example: My parents encourage me to pursue my dreams.
• Persuade: To convince someone to do something.
  • Example: He persuaded her to come to the party.
• Remind: To cause someone to remember something.
  • Example: She reminded me to take out the trash.
• Warn: To inform someone of a possible danger or problem.
  • Example: I warned them not to go there alone.

Other Common Verbs

• Afford: To have enough money to buy or do something.
  • Example: I can't afford to buy a new car.
• Arrange: To plan or organize something.
  • Example: We arranged to meet at the cafe.
• Attempt: To try to do something.
  • Example: He attempted to climb the mountain.
• Claim: To state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence.
  • Example: She claimed to be an expert in the field.
• Dare: To be brave enough to do something.
  • Example: I didn't dare to speak up.
• Expect: To anticipate or predict something.
  • Example: We expect to hear from them soon.
• Hesitate: To pause before doing something, often due to uncertainty or reluctance.
  • Example: I hesitate to ask for help.
• Manage: To succeed in doing something, especially something difficult.
  • Example: We managed to finish the project on time.
• Need: To require something because it is essential or very important.
  • Example: I need to study for the exam.
• Prepare: To make ready for something.
  • Example: I prepared to leave early.
• Refuse: To decline to accept or do something.
  • Example: He refused to admit his mistake.
• Strive: To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
  • Example: We strive to provide the best service.
• Tend: To be likely to do something or to have a particular characteristic.
  • Example: People tend to forget things when they are stressed.

The Structure of Verb + Infinitive

The structure of sentences involving verbs followed by infinitives typically follows this pattern:

Subject + Verb + (Optional Object/Adverbial) + to-Infinitive + (Optional Complement)

• Subject: The person or thing performing the action.
• Verb: The main verb that governs the infinitive.
• Optional Object/Adverbial: Additional information that provides context.
• to-Infinitive: The base form of the verb preceded by "to".
• Optional Complement: Additional details that complete the meaning of the infinitive phrase.

Examples:

• She wants to travel.
  • Subject: She
  • Verb: wants
  • to-Infinitive: to travel
• They decided to go to the beach.
  • Subject: They
  • Verb: decided
  • to-Infinitive: to go
  • Complement: to the beach
• He promised to help me with my homework.
  • Subject: He
  • Verb: promised
  • to-Infinitive: to help
  • Object: me
  • Complement: with my homework
• We plan to visit our grandparents next summer.
  • Subject: We
  • Verb: plan
  • to-Infinitive: to visit
  • Object: our grandparents
  • Adverbial: next summer

Negative Infinitives

To make an infinitive negative, insert "not" before the infinitive.

• Examples:
  • I decided not to go to the party.
  • She promised not to be late again.
  • They advised us not to travel during the storm.
  • He chose not to participate in the competition.

Common Errors to Avoid

Using verbs followed by infinitives can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Misusing Gerunds Instead of Infinitives

A common error is using a gerund (verb + -ing) when an infinitive is required, or vice versa.

• Incorrect: I want going to the beach.
• Correct: I want to go to the beach.
• Incorrect: She decided studying abroad.
• Correct: She decided to study abroad.

Forgetting the "to"

Another frequent mistake is omitting the "to" before the infinitive.

• Incorrect: I need go to the store.
• Correct: I need to go to the store.
• Incorrect: They want visit their family.
• Correct: They want to visit their family.

Incorrect Verb Choice

Using a verb that doesn't naturally take an infinitive can also lead to errors.

• Incorrect: I enjoy to swim.
• Correct: I enjoy swimming. (Here, enjoy is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.)
• Incorrect: She considered to apply for the job.
• Correct: She considered applying for the job.

Mixing Up Verb Patterns

Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, but with a change in meaning. Be mindful of these nuances.

• Remember:
  • I remember to lock the door. (I need to remember to do it.)
  • I remember locking the door. (I have a memory of doing it.)
• Forget:
  • I forgot to buy milk. (I didn't buy milk.)
  • I forgot buying milk. (I have no memory of buying milk.)
• Stop:
  • I stopped to rest. (I paused my activity to rest.)
  • I stopped smoking. (I quit smoking.)

Tips for Mastering Verbs Followed by Infinitives

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering any grammar topic. Write sentences using different verbs followed by infinitives.
• Read Extensively: Pay attention to how these verb patterns are used in books, articles, and other written materials.
• Listen Actively: Notice how native speakers use these patterns in conversations and other spoken contexts.
• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with verbs on one side and example sentences on the other to help memorize the patterns.
• Do Exercises: Complete grammar exercises specifically designed to practice verbs followed by infinitives.
• Get Feedback: Ask a teacher, tutor, or native speaker to review your writing and provide feedback on your use of these verb patterns.
• Keep a Grammar Journal: Write down examples of correct usage that you encounter in your reading and listening.
• Use Online Resources: Take advantage of online grammar guides, interactive exercises, and language learning apps.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using verbs followed by infinitives is essential for mastering English grammar. By familiarizing yourself with common verbs, practicing regularly, and avoiding common errors, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. Continue to explore and refine your understanding of these patterns to enhance your overall language proficiency.