Verb plus infinitive
Definition
A to-infinitive consists of to + base verb. It commonly follows certain verbs and adjectives, expresses purpose, and appears after an object with verbs such as want, ask and allow.
Examples
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Mina decided to leave early.
Decide is followed by a to-infinitive.
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We went outside to get some air.
The to-infinitive expresses purpose.
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They asked us to wait.
The pattern is verb + object + to-infinitive.
To-infinitive vs. base infinitive
You must leave now.
A modal verb is followed by the base form without to.
You need to leave now.
Need is followed by to + base verb.
The governing word determines whether to is present. Modal verbs normally take the base form, while many ordinary verbs take a to-infinitive.
The infinitive can have its own understood subject
After an object, the object is often understood as the person or thing performing the infinitive action.
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She invited me to sit beside her.
Me is the understood subject of to sit.
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The rules allow visitors to take photographs.
Visitors perform the infinitive action.
Common mistakes
I want go home.
I want to go home.
Want requires a to-infinitive.
She made me to apologize.
She made me apologize.
Active make + object takes the base form without to.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses the correct pattern after decide?
Decide is followed by to + base verb.Which to-infinitive expresses purpose?
To confirm explains the purpose of the call.Which sentence correctly uses a base infinitive after a modal?
A modal verb is followed by the base form without to.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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