THE INFINITIVE AND VERBS
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THE INFINITIVE AND VERBS | |
VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE
C. These are the most common of the verbs followed by a to-infinitive, with or without a noun.
Example:
I asked him to show me the book.
I asked to see the book.
ask*
beg*
choose
dare
desire*
elect expect*
help
mean* (=intend)
request*
want
wish*
The verbs marked * can also be followed by a that-clause
Note:
dare: In negative and interrogative sentences the infinitive with or without 'to' is possible, though it is more common to omit the 'to':
I never dared tell him what happened.
Dare you tell him the news?
Would you dare (to) jump out of a plane?
Examples:
We've chosen John to represent the company at the conference.
The elephant didn't mean to tread on the mouse.
We expect you to do your best in the exam.
Do you want to go to the beach?
Do you want me to go with you to the beach?
You are requested to be quiet in this library.
A. The to-infinitive is used after the verbs in this group, without a preceding noun. The verbs marked * can also be followed by a 'that-clause'
Example:
VERB TO-INFINITIVE
I hope... to see you next week.
THAT- CLAUSE
I hope... that I'll see you next week
afford
agree*
aim
appear †
arrange*
bother
care
claim*
condescend
consent
decide*
demand*
determine*
endeavour fail
guarantee*
happen †
hasten
have (= be obliged)
hesitate
hope*
learn
long
manage
offer
prepare
pretend*
proceed promise*
propose
prove (= turn out)
refuse resolve*
seek
seem †
strive
swear*
tend
threaten*
trouble
undertake
volunteer
vow*
† These verbs can only be followed by a 'that-clause' when they have the subject 'it'. e.g. It appeared that no-one had locked the door.
Examples:
He claimed to be an expert.
I managed to reach the top of the hill.
I know you're only pretending to love me!
Don't pretend that you know the answer.
She failed to explain the problem clearly.
The customs man demanded to search our luggage.
I can't afford to go out tonight.
The zero infinitive is used:
a. after most auxiliaries (e.g. must, can, should, may, might)
b. after verbs of perception, (e.g. see, hear, feel) with the pattern verb + object + zero infinitive
c. after the verbs 'make' and 'let', with the pattern make/let + object + zero infinitive
d. after the expression 'had better'
e. after the expression 'would rather'
when referring to the speaker's own actions
Examples:
After auxiliaries:
She can't speak to you.
He should give her some money.
Shall I talk to him?
Would you like a cup of coffee?
I might stay another night in the hotel.
They must leave before 10.00 a.m.
After verbs of perception:
He saw her fall from the cliff.
We heard them close the door.
They saw us walk toward the lake.
She felt the spider crawl up her leg.
After the verbs 'make' and 'let':
Her parents let her stay out late.
Let's go to the cinema tonight.
You made me love you.
Don't make me study that boring grammar book!
NOTICE that the 'to-infinitive' is used when 'make' is in the passive voice:
I am made to sweep the floor every day.
She was made to eat fish even though she hated it.
After 'had better':
We had better take some warm clothing.
She had better ask him not to come.
You'd better not smile at a crocodile!
We had better reserve a room in the hotel.
You'd better give me your address.
They had better work harder on their grammar!
After 'would rather':
Note: this is ONLY when referring to the speaker's own actions - see 'would rather' in section on Unreal past.
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