In English, the main verb of a sentence can be followed by another verb. This second verb can be in many different forms. In this lesson, we’ll focus on verbs + infinitives and verbs + -ing forms.
Common verbs that can be followed by infinitives
- afford
- agree
- appear
- arrange
- ask
- attempt
- (can’t) bear
- beg
- begin
- care
- choose
- consent
- continue
- dare
- decide
- expect
- fail
- forget
- go on
- happen
- hate
- help
- hesitate
- hope
- intend
- learn
- like
- love
- manage
- mean
- neglect
- offer
- plan
- prefer
- prepare
- pretend
- promise
- propose
- refuse
- regret
- remember
- seem
- start
- swear
- trouble
- try
- want
- wish
Examples
- When we went to San Francisco, we couldn't afford to visit Alcatraz.
- He will never agree to do that.
- What do you plan to do on the long weekend?
- I told her the news, but she didn't seem to care.
With the above verbs, it is also important to realize both verbs belong to the subject.
- She intends to deal with her stress better.
- Subject = she
- Verbs = intend, deal with
- They managed to find a parking space.
- Subject = they
- Verbs = manage, find
- John doesn't deserve to miss the game.
- Subject = John
- Verbs = deserve, miss
The negative form of these verbs is not + infinitive verb.
- We decided not to see that movie because of what my friends told me.
- I think she is pretending not to understand.
- Ali promised not to work such long hours anymore.
Common verbs that can be followed by objects + infinitives
- advise
- allow**
- ask
- (can’t) bear*
- beg
- cause
- command
- compel
- encourage
- expect
- forbid**
- force
- get
- hate*
- help
- instruct
- intend
- invite
- leave
- like*
- love*
- mean
- need
- oblige
- order
- permit**
- persuade
- prefer*
- recommend**
- remind
- request
- teach
- tell
- tempt
- trouble
- want
- warn
- wish
Examples
*usually used with “would”.
- I’d hate him to arrive late.
- I’d love you to stay longer.
**more common to use + -ing without an object or the passive voice.
- They recommend buying a new one. (They recommended me to buy a new one.)
- I was allowed to go to the concert. (My parents allowed me to go to the concert.)
- My teacher advised me to take fewer courses next semester.
- I’m going to remind Esther to relax a bit more.
- The doctor expects you to take her advice and exercise more.
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