Infinitive: verb + to

1.1 The Infinitive is a base form of a verb often used with «to». It can be positive (to go, to work) or negative (not to go, not to work).

1.2 Use the Infinitive after some verbs: want, need, would like, learn, offer, plan, decide, forget, etc.

Examples

She wants to visit Paris next year.

You need to practise more if you want to improve.

He decided not to change his job.

She plans to open a new business.

1.3 Use the Infinitive after adjectives.

Examples

She was happy to help with the project.

It’s difficult to learn a new language.

This problem is easy to solve.

1.4 Use the Infinitive, not the Gerund after the following verbs: afford, agree, aim, appear, ask, beg, care, choose, decide, demand, deserve, expect, fail, help, hope, manage, need, offer, plan, prepare, pretend, prefer, promise, propose, prove, refuse, seem, tend, want, wish.

Examples

I decided to leave early. 

They want to succeed in their careers. 

He offered to help with the project. 

1.5 You can use object + Infinitive with these verbs: beg, choose, dare, expect, need, want, wish. 

Some other verbs always take abject before Infinitive: 

advise, allow, cause, command, encourage, force, get, invite, persuade, remind, teach, tell.

Examples

I begged Alison not to leave.

I don’t really expect her to pass the exam. 

I want you to come earlier. 

They forced us to open the suitcases.

He told me to check my email.

1.6 Use to + Infinitive, or for + object + Infinitive to express purpose. Use «for» only when the subject of the Infinitive is different from the subject of the sentence.

Examples

I work hard to achieve my goals. 

This book is for you to read. 

I arranged the seminar for you to learn something new. (different subjects)

We bought a cage for you to keep your parrot in.(different subjects)

1.7 Use Infinitive without «to» after let/make/dare in the active voice. Help can be used with or without «to».

Examples

He made us leave the room. (but -  We were made to leave the room)

Who let the children go outside? 

The volunteers helped (to) provide support for the refugees.

1.8 Use Infinitive after adjectives: able/unable, afraid, anxious, ashamed, bound, careful, certain, crazy, curious, due, eager, fit, happy, impossible, important, likely, lucky, necessary, pleased, prepared, right, shocked, stupid, sure, surprised, thrilled, welcome, wrong.

Examples

She is happy to help her friends. 

It is impossible to finish this project on time.

1.8 Use Infinitive after nouns expressing intent, purpose or obligation: attempt, bid, decision, desire, fool, incentive, need, nuisance, opportunity, place, pleasure, reason, time, willingness, wish.

Examples

She made a decision to leave the company.

We need an opportunity to explain our ideas. 

1.9 Use Infinitive after indefinite pronouns (nothing, anything, something etc.) 

Examples

Do you have anything to add to the discussion?

There is something to do this weekend.

1.10 Use seem/appear + to Infinitive to describe observations or impressions (of someone’s appearance or behaviour).

Examples

She seems to be tired after a long journey.

He appears to know the answer to the question.

1.11 After modals (e.g., can, could, might, must, should, will) to express possibility, necessity, or expectation in the present or future there can be used passive infinitives (to be + past participle).

Examples

The project can be completed by tomorrow.

It might be delayed due to the weather.

The house should have been painted next month.

1.12 Passive infinitive (to be + past participle) can be used after need to express necessity in the present or future.

Examples

The report needs to be finished by Friday.

This room needs to be cleaned before the guests arrive.

1.13 Use to + infinitive as a subject or complement to express purpose, intention, or explanation.

Examples

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the budget.

My dream is to try surfing.

My goal is to travel the world.

1.14 Use Would you be so kind as + to + infinitive to make very polite and formal requests. 

Examples

Would you be so kind as to lend me some money?

Would you be so kind as to explain the procedure?