Some verbs are followed by infinitives (verb + infinitive). Other verbs are followed by an object before an infinitive (verb + object + infinitive).

First, let's look at verbs that are followed by an infinitive. Here are the verbs that you need to know.

afford	agree	appear
arrange	ask	attempt
can't wait	care	choose
claim	consent	decide
demand	deserve	expect
fail	grow	hesitate
hope	hurry	intend
learn	manage	mean
need	neglect	offer
pay	plan	prepare
pretend	promise	refuse
request	seem	struggle
swear	threaten	volunteer
wait	want	wish
would like	yearn

Follow this sentence pattern.

Subject + verb + infinitive…

• We intend to meet our new client next Friday.
• She decided to quit her job.
• He will volunteer to help.
• She threatened to kill me.
• I have managed to finish all my work.
• They pretended to be sleeping.

Remember that there are other ways to use these verbs. We do not always use them like this.

• I want pizza.
• I want to go home.
• I swear that it is true.
• I swear to protect you.

Now let's take a look at verbs that are followed by an object before an infinitive. The object is usually a person in these sentences.

advise	allow	ask
beg	cause	challenge
choose	enable	encourage
expect	forbid	force
get	help	hire
instruct	invite	need
order	pay	permit
persuade	promise	remind
request	require	teach
tell	urge	want
warn	wish	would like

Follow this sentence pattern.

Subject + verb + object + infinitive…

• My father taught me to ride a bike.
• She invited Mark to see a movie.
• They challenged me to do better.
• I asked her to help.
• They begged us to stop singing.

Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive or an object before an infinitive.

ask	choose	expect
get	help	need
want	wish	would like

• I was asked to help.
• I asked her to help.


• I expect to win.
• I expect her to win.


• She would like to come.
• She would like him to come.

Infinitives are a key part of the English language. If you want to learn English or speak English well, then you must have a firm understanding of infinitives and when you use them. Make sure to study the other lessons about English infinitives and gerunds. Knowing them well will help you speak English fluently.