Grammar: B1 - ⚙️ Verbs in Depth: 🎭 Modals & 🌱 Non-Finite Verbs (Introduction) - Lesson 9: Verbs commonly followed by Infinitives (to + verb: want, hope, decide + to V)

Grammar: Verb Patterns

B2 Lesson 9: Verbs Followed by Infinitives

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify and use common verbs that are followed by an infinitive (`to + verb`).

Why It Matters: Correct Verb Patterns

When one verb follows another, the second verb must be in the correct form. Verbs that express a desire, plan, or decision are often followed by an infinitive.

❌ Incorrect

I want visiting the circus.

✅ Correct

I want to visit the circus.

The Grammar Rules 📖

An infinitive is the basic `to + verb` form of a verb.

Rule 1: Verb + Infinitive

These common verbs are followed by an infinitive. They often express a plan, desire, or decision.

Verb	Example Sentence
want	I want to visit the circus in Battambang.
need	You need to buy a ticket in advance.
plan	They are planning to travel to Siem Reap.
decide	She has decided to learn French.
promise	He promised to call me later.
hope	We hope to see you tonight.

Rule 2: Verb + Object + Infinitive

Some verbs can take an object (a person) before the infinitive. This pattern is very useful.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + to + verb

• My parents want me to study hard. (They don't want to study, they want *me* to study).
• I asked my friend to help me with my homework.
• The teacher told us to be quiet.

💡 Pro Tip: Negative Infinitives

To make an infinitive negative, the word `not` comes before `to`.
Correct: She decided not to go.
Incorrect: She decided to not go.

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise 1: Complete the Sentence

Put the verb in brackets into the correct infinitive form.

1. I hope _______ (see) you again soon.
   → Answer: to see
2. She decided _______ (not go) to the party because she was tired.
   → Answer: not to go (Negative infinitive)
3. He promised _______ (help) me with my project tomorrow.
   → Answer: to help
4. The doctor told me _______ (get) more rest.
   → Answer: to get (Uses the 'verb + object + infinitive' pattern)

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Write About Your Plans & Desires

Complete these sentences with your own ideas using an infinitive.

1. Next year, I want...
   (Example: Next year, I want to travel to a new country.)
2. Recently, I have decided...
   (Example: Recently, I have decided to wake up earlier every day.)
3. My parents always told me...
   (Example: My parents always told me to be kind to others.)

Key Vocabulary

• Infinitive (Noun) | កិរិយាស័ព្ទដើម
  The basic form of a verb, with 'to' (e.g., to go, to see, to learn).
• Pattern (Noun) | ទម្រង់
  The regular and repeated way in which something is done; a structure or rule.
• Desire (Noun) | បំណងប្រាថ្នា
  A strong feeling of wanting to have or do something.
• Decision (Noun) | ការសម្រេចចិត្ត
  A choice that you make about something after thinking about it.