Verbs Followed by Infinitive

English grammar can be tricky, but learning how to use verbs followed by infinitive is an important step toward mastering the language. Infinitives, which are the base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., to go, to eat, to learn), are commonly used with specific verbs. Knowing which verbs require an infinitive will not only make your sentences grammatically correct but also sound more natural and fluent.

In this article, we’ll dive into what verbs followed by infinitive mean, why they’re important, and how to use them correctly. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your English, this guide will provide all the details you need.

What Does “Verbs Followed by Infinitive” Mean?

A verb followed by an infinitive refers to specific verbs that need an infinitive verb form (to + base verb) to complete their meaning in a sentence. For example:

• I want to learn Spanish.
• She decided to take the job.

In these sentences, want and decided are verbs followed by infinitives (to learn and to take), which complete the idea being expressed.

Why Learning These Verbs is Important

Understanding which verbs are followed by an infinitive is essential for:

• Fluent Communication: It helps avoid common grammar mistakes.
• Clarity: Using the correct structure makes your sentences clear and easy to understand.
• Professional Writing and Speaking: It enhances your ability to write formal documents or speak confidently in English.

Understanding Infinitive in English Grammar

An infinitive is the base form of a verb with the word “to” in front of it (e.g., to eat, to write, to sleep). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. When paired with certain verbs, the infinitive provides additional information or completes the meaning of the verb.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitive 

Here are some of the most common verbs that require an infinitive:

1. Verbs Expressing Intentions

These verbs show plans, desires, or goals.

• Want: I want to travel the world.
• Decide: They decided to leave early.
• Plan: We plan to visit Paris next summer.

2. Verbs Expressing Preferences

These verbs indicate likes, dislikes, or feelings.

• Like: She likes to read before bed.
• Love: They love to explore new cuisines.
• Hate: I hate to wake up early.

3. Verbs Expressing Future Actions

These verbs relate to actions or events that will happen.

• Agree: He agreed to help with the project.
• Hope: We hope to finish the report by Friday.
• Promise: She promised to call me later.

Examples of Verbs Followed by Infinitive

Here are some sentences to show how verbs followed by infinitive are used:

1. I need to study for my exam.
2. They offered to help us move.
3. She refused to answer the question.
4. We expect to hear from them soon.

By using the correct verb + infinitive structure, your sentences become more accurate and meaningful.

Rules for Using Verbs Followed by Infinitive

To use verbs followed by infinitive correctly, keep these rules in mind:

1. Always Use “to” Before the Verb:
   After the specific verb, add “to” before the base verb.
   Example: “I hope to see you soon.”
2. Do Not Conjugate the Infinitive:
   The infinitive remains in its base form and does not change according to tense or subject.
   Incorrect: “I want to learns.”
   Correct: “I want to learn.”
3. Know the Verbs That Require Infinitives:
   Not all verbs are followed by infinitives, so memorizing the common ones is helpful.

Verbs That Change Meaning When Followed by Infinitive

Some verbs can be followed by both an infinitive and a gerund (verb + -ing), but their meaning changes depending on which form is used.

1. Stop:
• With infinitive: Indicates purpose.
  She stopped to buy some groceries. (She stopped doing something else in order to buy groceries.)
• With gerund: Indicates an action that has ended.
  She stopped buying groceries. (She no longer buys groceries.)
2. Remember:
• With infinitive: Refers to remembering to do something in the future.
  I remembered to call my mom.
• With gerund: Refers to remembering something from the past.
  I remember calling my mom yesterday.
3. Forget:
• With infinitive: Refers to forgetting to do something.
  He forgot to lock the door.
• With gerund: Refers to forgetting something that has already happened.
  I’ll never forget meeting you.

Common Mistakes with Verbs Followed by Infinitive

1. Adding Extra Words:
• Incorrect: I want that to go home.
• Correct: I want to go home.
2. Using the Gerund Instead of Infinitive:
• Incorrect: She decided going to the beach.
• Correct: She decided to go to the beach.
3. Omitting “to”:
• Incorrect: He agreed help us.
• Correct: He agreed to help us.

Practice Exercises for Verbs Followed by Infinitive

Exercise 1: Identify the Infinitive

Find the infinitive and the verb it follows in these sentences:

1. They decided to stay at home.
2. I need to finish my homework.
3. She promised to attend the meeting.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct infinitive form:

1. He forgot ___ (bring) his notebook.
2. We hope ___ (travel) next summer.
3. She likes ___ (cook) dinner for her family.

Tips for Mastering Verbs Followed by Infinitive

1. Create a List: Write down common verbs followed by infinitives and practice them.
2. Use Flashcards: Test yourself on verbs and their correct forms.
3. Practice Daily: Incorporate these verbs into your daily conversations and writing.

Conclusion

Understanding verbs followed by infinitive is an essential step in mastering English grammar. These verbs allow us to express intentions, preferences, and future actions clearly and effectively. By learning common verbs, following the rules, and practicing regularly, you can avoid mistakes and make your English more fluent and natural.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improvement. Keep using these verbs in your sentences, and soon, they’ll become second nature.

I hope this article helped you to learn verbs followed by infinitives.

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