08/03/2025
Certain verbs in English require the infinitive form of the verb (i.e., the base verb preceded by "to") rather than the gerund. This is largely due to the meaning or nuance these verbs convey. In some cases, it’s simply a grammatical convention, and these verbs are traditionally paired with the infinitive.
Here’s a list of verbs that typically follow the infinitive and why:
1. Want
Example: I want to go to the movies.
Reason: "Want" expresses a desire or wish, and the infinitive is used to show the goal or intention of that desire.
2. Need
Example: She needs to study for the exam.
Reason: "Need" expresses necessity or requirement, and the infinitive form emphasizes the action that needs to be done.
3. Decide
Example: They decided to leave early.
Reason: "Decide" refers to making a decision or choice, and the infinitive expresses the action being chosen.
4. Plan
Example: I plan to visit her tomorrow.
Reason: "Plan" involves the intention to do something, and the infinitive is used to specify what action is planned.
5. Hope
Example: I hope to meet you soon.
Reason: "Hope" refers to a future desire or expectation, and the infinitive is used to specify the desired action in the future.
6. Promise
Example: She promised to help me with my project.
Reason: "Promise" expresses an assurance or commitment to do something, and the infinitive form is used to show the specific action being promised.
7. Agree
Example: They agreed to help us with the project.
Reason: "Agree" shows consent or approval, and the infinitive is used to indicate the action they agreed to do.
8. Offer
Example: He offered to drive me home.
Reason: "Offer" indicates giving or suggesting an action, and the infinitive is used to indicate the action being offered.
9. Refuse
Example: She refused to answer the question.
Reason: "Refuse" involves rejecting or declining an action, and the infinitive form indicates the action that was refused.
10. Expect
Example: I expect to receive the package soon.
Reason: "Expect" refers to anticipating or looking forward to something, and the infinitive is used to express the action expected to happen.
11. Try
Example: She tried to open the door.
Reason: "Try" indicates an attempt to do something, and the infinitive expresses the specific action being attempted.
12. Would like
Example: I would like to order pizza.
Reason: "Would like" is a polite way of expressing desire or preference, and the infinitive form shows the action being desired.
13. Learn
Example: He wants to learn how to play the piano.
Reason: "Learn" indicates the acquisition of a skill or knowledge, and the infinitive is used to express the action being learned.
14. Beg
Example: I beg to differ with you.
Reason: "Beg" (in this context) refers to requesting or pleading for something to happen, and the infinitive is used to indicate the specific request.
15. Afford
Example: We can't afford to buy a new car right now.
Reason: "Afford" refers to having the financial means or ability to do something, and the infinitive expresses the action that could potentially be done.
Why Do These Verbs Follow the Infinitive?
Indicating Intent or Desire: Many of these verbs express an intention, decision, desire, or future action (e.g., want, plan, decide), and the infinitive is used to specify the action that is desired or intended.
Expressing Future Actions: Verbs like hope, expect, and offer involve looking forward to a future action, and the infinitive is used to show what action is expected or offered.
Conventional Usage: In some cases, it is simply a grammatical convention that certain verbs are paired with the infinitive rather than the gerund, even though both forms might seem logically possible. This distinction is a part of the language’s structure, learned through usage and not always due to a clear logical reason.
In short, these verbs require the infinitive to express desires, decisions, intentions, offers, or future actions. The infinitive form emphasizes the purpose or goal of the action being discussed.