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➡️ Compendium
Grammar
EN
English — Verbs followed by the to-infinitive
Some English verbs are followed by another verb in the to-infinitive form: I want to go, She decided to stay. This card lists the most common of them.
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How it works
✓ Rule
The pattern is verb + to + base verb. The first verb carries the tense (want, wanted, wants), while the second stays in the to-infinitive: I hope to see you, They promised to help, He managed to fix it.
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Examples
| Verb | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| want | I want to learn Spanish. | desire something |
| decide | We decided to move house. | make a choice |
| promise | She promised to call me. | give your word |
| refuse | He refused to answer. | say no firmly |
| manage | I managed to finish on time. | succeed with effort |
| agree | They agreed to share the cost. | consent |
| seem | You seem to know him well. | appear to be |
| afford | We can't afford to wait. | have enough money/time |
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Good to know
⚠ Note
Not every verb takes the to-infinitive. Verbs like enjoy, finish and avoid take the -ing form instead (I enjoy to swim is wrong; say I enjoy swimming). Also add offer, hope and learn to this group: They offered to help, I hope to pass, She learned to drive.