infinitives as objects

1. Section A

2. We can use a to- infinitive as the object after
certain verbs.
I need to speak to you.
They forgot to go.
Please close the door. We’re trying to study.

3. Remember: We use not to make a
to- infinitive negative.
Do you promise not to tell?
We decided not to go.
GRAMMAR TERM: An infinitive
used as an object of a verb is
also called a verb completer or a
verb complement.

4. Section B

5. With some verbs, we can (but don’t have to) use
a noun phrase/object pronoun before the
to- infinitive.
ask expect need promise want
They expect to visit. (They are going to visit.)
They expect us to visit. (We are going to visit.)

6. With some verbs, we can (but don’t have to) use
a noun phrase/object pronoun before the
to- infinitive.
The story proved to be untrue.
They proved his story to be untrue.

7. A few verbs must use a noun phrase or pronoun
before the to- infinitive.
advise help
encourage order
persuade
remind
teach
tell
urge
warn

8. My parents encouraged me to become a doctor.
I warned my brother not to go in the water.

9. A few verbs can be followed by for + a
noun phrase/object pronoun + to- infinitive.
arrange ask love pay wait wish
The school arranged for a bus to pick us up.
I can’t wait for the concert to start.

10. Section C

11. I didn’t know what to do.
He explained how to get there.
Do you know where to go?
After certain verbs, we sometimes use a
wh- word + a to- infinitive.
(= I didn’t know the thing that I should do.)
(= He explained the way that we could get there.)
(= Do you know the place where we should go?)

12. This is a shorter and more informal way to
express phrases like the thing that, the way that,
or the place that. Common verbs include:
ask explain
decide forget
know
learn
remember
understand
wonder

13. We can also use a noun phrase/object pronoun
+ a wh- word + a to- infinitive after certain verbs
such as ask, advise, teach and tell.
Can you show me how to use this?
Did she tell the driver when to be there?

14. Section D

15. Correct the common errors.
✗ She wants finish her work and watch TV.
She wants to finish her work and watch TV.✓
✗ He wanted the children worked harder.
He wanted the children to work harder.✓

16. Correct the common errors.
✗ I will teach you know how to play the piano.
I will teach you how to play the piano.✓
✗ My parents encouraged me about
coming here.
My parents encouraged me to come
here.
✓