Master English Grammar: A Guide to Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive

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A Guide to Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive

Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive: Understanding how to connect actions is a vital part of mastering English fluency. One of the most frequent structures you will encounter involves using common verbs followed by to infinitive patterns.

Whether you are writing a professional email or chatting with friends, knowing which verbs require a “to” before the next action helps you speak more naturally and avoid common grammatical errors.

What Are Verbs Followed by To Infinitive?

In English, when two verbs appear together, the second verb often takes the form of an infinitive. An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word “to” (e.g., to eat, to sleep, to study).

While some verbs are followed by gerunds (ending in -ing), many common verbs followed by to infinitive indicate intentions, desires, or future plans.

Essential Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive

Many everyday verbs fall into this category. Here are the most frequent groups you should know:

Verbs of Desire and Preference

These verbs express what someone wants or hopes will happen.

  • Want: I want to go home.
  • Hope: They hope to win the game.
  • Wish: She wishes to stay longer.
  • Decide: We decided to leave early.

Verbs of Planning and Agreement

These verbs help describe future arrangements or commitments.

  • Plan: We plan to visit London next year.
  • Agree: He agreed to help us.
  • Promise: I promise to call you later.
  • Offer: She offered to carry the bags.

Verbs of Ability and Attempt

These describe the effort put into an action.

  • Learn: Children learn to speak quickly.
  • Try: Please try to be quiet.
  • Manage: He managed to finish the project on time.
  • Fail: They failed to arrive before the deadline.

Why Is This Grammar Rule Important?

Using common verbs followed by to infinitive correctly improves your writing clarity. If you use a gerund where an infinitive is required (for example, saying “I want going” instead of “I want to go”), your sentence will sound unnatural to native speakers.

Most of these verbs focus on an action that hasn’t happened yet or a mental state regarding a future event.

100 Example Sentences Using Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive

To help you practice, here are 100 clear examples of this structure in action:

  1. I agree to help you.
  2. She aims to succeed.
  3. They appear to be lost.
  4. We arranged to meet at noon.
  5. He asked to join the team.
  6. I attempt to run every morning.
  7. She begged to stay.
  8. We chose to eat outside.
  9. They claim to know the truth.
  10. I decided to buy a car.
  11. He deserves to win.
  12. She expects to arrive late.
  13. I failed to see the sign.
  14. They happened to find the keys.
  15. We hope to see you soon.
  16. She intends to study law.
  17. I learned to play piano.
  18. He managed to fix the sink.
  19. They offered to pay for dinner.
  20. We planned to take a trip.
  21. She prepared to give a speech.
  22. I pretend to be asleep.
  23. He promised to call me.
  24. They refused to leave.
  25. We seem to have a problem.
  26. She swore to tell the truth.
  27. I tend to wake up early.
  28. He threatened to quit.
  29. They want to buy a house.
  30. We wish to complain.
  31. I would like to order coffee.
  32. She afforded to buy the dress.
  33. He consented to the surgery.
  34. They demanded to speak to the manager.
  35. I deserve to be heard.
  36. She endeavored to finish the race.
  37. He guaranteed to deliver the goods.
  38. I hesitate to ask for help.
  39. They long to go home.
  40. We neglect to water the plants.
  41. She proceeded to explain the rules.
  42. He resolved to lose weight.
  43. I sought to find a solution.
  44. They strive to improve daily.
  45. We volunteered to clean the park.
  46. She waited to hear the news.
  47. I yearn to travel again.
  48. He ventured to ask a question.
  49. They struggle to survive.
  50. We need to go now.
  51. I forgot to lock the door.
  52. She remembered to buy milk.
  53. He tried to open the window.
  54. They stopped to take a photo.
  55. I prefer to walk.
  56. She hates to be late.
  57. He loves to cook.
  58. They like to swim.
  59. We started to feel tired.
  60. I began to understand.
  61. She continued to work hard.
  62. He failed to respond.
  63. They arranged to pick us up.
  64. I expect to pass the exam.
  65. She decided to change her hair.
  66. He offered to drive.
  67. They promised to be careful.
  68. We want to see the movie.
  69. I hope to get the job.
  70. She learned to cook pasta.
  71. He managed to find his wallet.
  72. They plan to get married.
  73. We prepared to go hiking.
  74. I pretend to enjoy the food.
  75. She refused to eat meat.
  76. He seems to be happy.
  77. They swore to protect him.
  78. I tend to forget names.
  79. She threatened to call the police.
  80. He volunteered to coach the team.
  81. We wait to see the results.
  82. I wish to see the doctor.
  83. She would love to visit Paris.
  84. He chooses to ignore the noise.
  85. They claim to be experts.
  86. I deserve to take a break.
  87. She expects to finish soon.
  88. He happened to be there.
  89. They intend to move away.
  90. We long to visit the beach.
  91. I neglected to check the mail.
  92. She offered to help with dinner.
  93. He planned to surprise her.
  94. They prepared to board the plane.
  95. I promised to keep the secret.
  96. She refused to give up.
  97. He seems to understand.
  98. They want to learn English.
  99. We wish to explore the city.
  100. I decided to start a blog.

Conclusion on Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive

Mastering common verbs followed by to infinitive is a major step in your language journey. By memorizing these patterns, you can build sentences more confidently and improve your overall communication skills. Practice using these verbs in your daily life to make them a natural part of your vocabulary.

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DISCLAIMER on Common Verbs Followed by To Infinitive

This article is for educational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, grammar rules may vary by region or evolve over time. Always consult a formal textbook for academic testing requirements.

Also Read: Mastering Quantifiers: Little, Few, A Little, and A Few Exercises

Master the Rules: How to Form Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

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