VERB + TO-INFINITIVE OR BARE INFINITIVE ( With Example)
VERB + TO-INFINITIVE OR BARE INFINITIVE
1) Verb + object + to-infinitive
After some verbs, we need to include an object before a
to-infinitive. There are many verbs like this including allow, believe, cause,
command, enable, encourage, entitle, force, invite, order, persuade, show,
teach, tell, consider, warn…
Example:
- I considered her to be the best person for the job.
- The police warned everyone to stay inside with their windows
closed.
2) Verb + to-infinitive
After some verbs, we can’t include an object before a
to-infinitive. Other verbs like this include agree, consent, decide, fail,
hope, pretend, start, volunteer, refuse, threatened…
Example:
- The shop refused to accept a cheque.
- He threatened to report their behavior to the principal.
3) Verb + (object) + to-infinitive
After some verbs, an object might or might not be included
before a to-infinitive. Other verbs like this include can bear (in negative
sentences and in questions), hate, hope, like, love, want, wish, prefer, need…
Compare:
- I prefer to drive. (= I do the driving)
- I prefer you to drive. (= you do the driving)
- We need to complete this report by Friday. (= we complete it)
- We need them to complete this report by Friday. (= they
complete it)
NOTE: After help we
can use either a to-infinitive or bare infinitive.
Example: I’ll help you (to) arrange the party if you like.
4) Verb + object + to-infinitive
With some verbs in this pattern we have to put the word for
immediately after the verb. Other verbs like this include appeal, apply,
campaign, long (= want), plan, wait, arrange…
Example:
- We waited for the taxi to come before saying goodbye. (not
…waited the taxi to come…)
- They arranged for Jane to stay in London. (not …arranged
Jane to stay…)
NOTE: After apply and
campaign, the to-infinitive is usually passive.
Example: They applied for the hearing to be postponed.
5) Verb + object + bare infinitive
Some verbs are followed by a bare infinitive after an object.
Other verbs like include feel, hear, observe, overhear, see, watch, have, let,
notice, make…
Example:
- She noticed him run away form the house. (not …noticed him to
run…)
- I make Peter wait outside. (not …make Peter to wait…)
NOTE 1: However, in
passive sentences with these verbs, we use a to-infinitive.
Example: He
was overheard to say that he hoped John would resign.
NOTE 2: After some of
these verbs (feel, hear, notice, observe, overhear, see, watch) we can use
either bare infinitive or the ing-form, but usually there is a difference in
meaning.
6) Verb + bare infinitive
A few verbs can be followed directly by a bare infinitive in
fairlyidiomatic phrases, including hear tell, make believe, and let
(it) slip.
Example:
- He made believe that he had caught the huge fish himself. (=
pretended)
- She let (it) slip that she’s leaving. (= said it
unintentionally)
NOTICE also the phrases make do and let
go.
Example: Jim
borrowed my new bike; I had to make do with my old one. (= it wasn't the one I
wanted)
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