Certain verbs can be followed by to + infinitive verb:
*Note: an infinitive verb is also called a base verb.
- afford
- agree
- appear
- arrange
- ask
- attempt
- beg
- choose
- decide
- demand
- deserve
- expect
- fail
- fight
- help
- intend
- manage
- need
- offer
- plan
- prefer
- prepare
- pretend
- promise
- refuse
- seem
- tend
- want / would like
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 about the problem?
- I told her the news, but she didn't seem to care.
The above verbs can be used with not + to + infinitive verb as well.
- We decided not to see that movie because of what my friends told me.
- I think she is pretending not to understand.
- The boy promised not to fight anymore.
With the above verbs, it is important to realize both verbs belong to the subject.
- She intends to do better at school.
- Subject = she Verbs = intend, do
- They managed to find a parking space.
- Subject = they Verbs = manage, find
- John doesn't deserve to play.
- Subject = John Verbs = deserve, play
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