This document provides information about using infinitives after certain verbs in English sentences. It begins by listing example verbs that can be followed by an infinitive without an object, such as "want", "plan", and "refuse". It then discusses verbs that require an object before the infinitive, such as "advise", "allow", and "remind". Two practice exercises are included to have the reader complete sentences using infinitives with and without objects. The document aims to teach English learners when and how to properly use infinitives in sentences.

1. 10 Infinitives after
Certain Verbs
The Life of an
English Student
Focus on Grammar 3
Part VII, Unit 29
By Ruth Luman, Gabriele Steiner, and BJ Wells
Copyright © 2006. Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. What Students Are Thinking
I want to learn. to class
I plan to get
on time. I refuse to give up. get only “A”
I try to
I hope to succeed. grades!
I promise to study
hard.

3. Form
An infinitive is to + base form of the verb.
Form the negative by placing not before the
infinitive.
Infinitive
to + base form of the verb
I decided to study English this year.
Negative Infinitive
not +to + base form of the verb
I decided not to study chemistry this year.

4. Infinitives after Verbs 1
Certain verbs can be followed by an infinitive.
Examples: ask, advise, tell, want
Infinitive
I want to get a good grade in my English
class.
Infinitive
I told her to go to bed.

5. Infinitives after Verbs 2
Some verbs can be followed directly by an
infinitive.
Examples: begin, decide, fail, learn, plan, promise, refuse, seem, try
Infinitive
He is learning to spell correctly.
Infinitive
He refuses to be uncomfortable
when studying.

6. Infinitives after Objects 1
Some verbs need an object (noun or
pronoun) before the infinitive.
Examples: advise, allow, encourage, force, invite, remind, tell, warn
Object Infinitive
Our teacher advises them to take notes.
Object Infinitive
She doesn’t allow students to do
their homework in class.

7. Infinitives after Objects 2
Some verbs need an object (noun or
pronoun) before the infinitive.
Examples: advise, allow, encourage, force, invite, remind, tell, warn
Object Infinitive
My teacher tells us to pay
attention.
Object Infinitive
She warns students not to cheat
on tests.

8. Complete the sentences with
Practice 1 infinitives and your own
information. Use objects where
needed.
Example: Maria invited …
Maria invited me to go to a party with her.
1. I promised …
2. My mother plans …
3. Our teacher encourages …
4. My friends decided …
5. My father always tells …

9. Infinitives with or without Objects
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or
an object + infinitive.
Examples: ask, expect, help, need, want, would like
Infinitive
He expected to get an “A.”
Object Infinitive
He expected the teacher to give
him an “A.”

10. Form sentences with the verbs. Use
Practice 2 infinitives and use each verb twice:
First without an object, and then
with an object.
without object
Example:
expect I expected to do well on the test.
My teacher expected me to do well on the test.
with object
1. need
2. help
3. would like
4. ask

11. References
Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education
and its licensors. All rights reserved.