Learning how to correctly use verbs followed by infinitives is a crucial step in mastering English grammar. Infinitives, which are the base form of verbs usually preceded by “to,” can often add layers of meaning and nuance to sentences. For learners of English, understanding which verbs are followed by infinitives can make a significant difference in both writing and speaking. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you grasp this important grammatical structure.
What is an Infinitive?
Before diving into the list of verbs that are followed by infinitives, it’s important to understand what an infinitive is. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the phrase “to eat,” “to” is the infinitive marker, and “eat” is the base form of the verb. Infinitives can function in various ways within a sentence, including as subjects, objects, or complements.
Verbs Commonly Followed by Infinitives
Many English verbs are directly followed by an infinitive. Understanding these verbs can enhance your language skills significantly. Below, we explore some of the most common verbs that are followed by infinitives:
1. Verbs of Intention or Decision
These verbs express a desire, intention, or decision to do something. Some of the most commonly used verbs in this category include:
– **Agree**: She agreed to help me with my homework.
– **Decide**: They decided to go to the beach.
– **Plan**: I plan to travel to Europe next summer.
– **Promise**: He promised to call me later.
– **Refuse**: She refused to participate in the discussion.
2. Verbs of Desire or Preference
These verbs indicate a desire or preference for something to happen. Some common examples are:
– **Choose**: We chose to stay at a hotel.
– **Expect**: I expect to receive my package tomorrow.
– **Hope**: They hope to win the championship.
– **Want**: She wants to learn French.
– **Wish**: He wishes to become a doctor.
3. Verbs of Effort
These verbs express an effort to achieve or accomplish something. Common verbs in this category include:
– **Attempt**: He attempted to lift the heavy box.
– **Try**: She tried to solve the puzzle.
– **Strive**: They strive to improve their skills.
– **Seek**: We seek to understand the problem better.
– **Manage**: He managed to finish the project on time.
4. Verbs of Learning and Teaching
These verbs often involve an aspect of learning or teaching. Some of the most common verbs in this category include:
– **Learn**: She learned to play the piano.
– **Teach**: He teaches students to read and write.
– **Train**: They train athletes to run faster.
– **Instruct**: The coach instructed the team to practice daily.
5. Verbs of Permission and Advice
These verbs are used to give permission or advice. Some typical verbs include:
– **Allow**: They allowed us to enter the room.
– **Permit**: The teacher permitted the students to leave early.
– **Advise**: She advised him to take a break.
– **Encourage**: They encouraged her to apply for the job.
– **Urge**: He urged me to reconsider my decision.
6. Verbs of Command and Request
These verbs are used to command or request someone to do something. Examples include:
– **Ask**: She asked me to help her with the project.
– **Tell**: He told us to wait here.
– **Order**: The officer ordered the soldiers to stand down.
– **Command**: The general commanded his troops to advance.
– **Invite**: They invited us to join them for dinner.
7. Verbs of Cause and Effect
These verbs indicate that someone causes something to happen. Some common examples are:
– **Cause**: The news caused him to cry.
– **Force**: The situation forced us to reconsider our plans.
– **Lead**: His actions led me to believe he was innocent.
– **Get**: She got him to clean the house.
8. Verbs of Emotion
These verbs express an emotional reaction and are often followed by infinitives. Common examples include:
– **Hate**: I hate to disappoint you.
– **Love**: She loves to sing.
– **Prefer**: They prefer to stay at home.
– **Fear**: He fears to speak in public.
Infinitive Without “To”
While most infinitives are preceded by “to,” there are certain cases where the infinitive appears without it. This usually happens with certain verbs and constructions, such as:
– **Make**: They made me do it.
– **Let**: Let him go.
– **Help**: She helped me finish the assignment.
Negative Infinitives
To form a negative infinitive, you simply place “not” before the infinitive. For example:
– I decided not to go to the party.
– She told him not to worry.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can make mistakes when it comes to using infinitives correctly. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Mixing Up Infinitives and Gerunds
One of the most common mistakes is confusing verbs that should be followed by an infinitive with those that should be followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). For example:
Incorrect: She enjoys to swim.
Correct: She enjoys swimming.
Tip: Make a list of verbs followed by infinitives and those followed by gerunds to help you remember.
2. Omitting “To” in Infinitives
Another common mistake is omitting the “to” in situations where it is required. For example:
Incorrect: I want go to the store.
Correct: I want to go to the store.
Tip: Always double-check if the verb you are using requires “to” before the infinitive.
3. Using Infinitives with Modals
Modals (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.” For example:
Incorrect: She can to swim.
Correct: She can swim.
Tip: Remember that modals are exceptions to the rule and do not require “to.”
4. Incorrect Negative Infinitives
When forming negative infinitives, placing “not” in the wrong position is a common error. For example:
Incorrect: He decided to not go.
Correct: He decided not to go.
Tip: Always place “not” before the infinitive to form a negative infinitive correctly.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the use of verbs followed by infinitives is through consistent practice. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct infinitive form of the verb in parentheses.
1. She decided _______ (leave) early.
2. They promised _______ (help) us.
3. He wants _______ (learn) Spanish.
4. We plan _______ (visit) our grandparents.
5. She refused _______ (participate) in the meeting.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. She made me to do my homework.
2. He loves to playing soccer.
3. They let us to stay up late.
4. I decided to not go to the concert.
5. She enjoys to read books.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create five sentences using verbs followed by infinitives. Be sure to use a variety of verbs from different categories mentioned in this article.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using verbs followed by infinitives can greatly enhance your English language skills. By familiarizing yourself with the categories of verbs that take infinitives and practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and become more proficient in both written and spoken English. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and soon you’ll find that using infinitives comes naturally to you.
