THE INFINITIVE

VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE

A. The to-infinitive is used after the verbs in this group, without a preceding noun. The verbs marked * can also be followed by a 'that-clause'

Example:

VERB TO-INFINITIVE

I hope...

to see you next week.

 

THAT- CLAUSE

I hope...

that I'll see you next week

List of verbs normally followed by the infinitive

afford
agree1
aim
appear1
arrange1
bother
care
claim1
condescend
consent
decide1
demand1
determine1
endeavour

fail
guarantee1
happen 1
hasten
have (= be obliged)
hesitate
hope1
learn
long
manage
offer
prepare
pretend1
proceed

promise1
propose
prove (= turn out)
refuse resolve1
seek
seem1
strive
swear1
tend
threaten1
trouble
undertake
volunteer
vow1


1 These verbs can only be followed by a 'that-clause' when they have the subject 'it'.

Example

  • It appeared that no-one had locked the door.

Examples:

  • He claimed to be an expert.
  • I managed to reach the top of the hill.
  • I know you're only pretending to love me!
  • Don't pretend that you know the answer.
  • She failed to explain the problem clearly.
  • The customs man demanded to search our luggage.
  • I can't afford to go out tonight.



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