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

afford agree* aim appear † arrange* bother care claim* condescend consent decide* demand* determine* endeavour

fail guarantee* happen † hasten have (= be obliged) hesitate hope* learn long manage offer prepare pretend* proceed

promise* propose prove (= turn out) refuse resolve* seek seem † strive swear* tend threaten* trouble undertake volunteer vow*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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