THE INFINITIVE

VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE

C. These are the most common of the verbs followed by a to-infinitive, with or without a noun.

Example:

• I asked him to show me the book.
• I asked to see the book.
  

ask* beg* choose dare desire* elect

expect* help mean* (=intend) request* want wish*

The verbs marked * can also be followed by a that-clause

Note:

dare: In negative and interrogative sentences the infinitive with or without 'to' is possible, though it is more common to omit the 'to':

• I never dared tell him what happened.
• Dare you tell him the news?
• Would you dare (to) jump out of a plane?

Examples:

• We've chosen John to represent the company at the conference.
• The elephant didn't mean to tread on the mouse.
• We expect you to do your best in the exam.
• Do you want to go to the beach?
• Do you want me to go with you to the beach?
• You are requested to be quiet in this library.