Verbs

Infinitive

Infinitive without to

Use the infinitive after let's... and why don't we... to make suggestions.

Let's	go to the beach.
Why don't we Shall we	phone Rita?

Infinitive with to

Some verbs are usually followed by the infinitive (with to).The action of the verb in the infinitive is usually later in time than the first verb. These include decided, hope, learn, plan, refuse and want.

• He planned to go to China but decided to learn Chinese first.

Infinitive of purpose, so that

To say why a person does something, use to + verb.

• A: Why did you go to the shops?
• B: To get some food.

You can also use so that + subject + modal verb.

• I went to the shops so (that) I could get some food.

To + infinitive forms are very common in English and occur in many different contexts.

• There are many questions still to be answered. (to + infinitive, as a complement)
• Our perception has changed and continues to do so. (verb + to + infinitive)
• The surface temperature is perfect to support life. (adjective + to + infinitive)
• I left early to avoid the crowds. (to + infinitive, describing purpose)
• This character is at a loss as to how to manoeuvre within the limits of her life. (to + infinitive after who, what, how, and other wh- complements)
• It's time to sort this out once and for all. (noun + to + infinitive)
• I have nothing more to say. (to + infinitive after something, anything, nothing)
• We are to get a pay rise in January. (be + to + infinitive for a plan or an arrangement)
• If we are to get this done on time, we had better hurry up. (be + to + infinitive describing a pre-condition)

Infinitives and negation

Negative sentences are formed with not before the infinitive.

• I prefer not to get up too early.
• I asked not to be disturbed.
• Try not to be late.
• It was a mistake not to have locked the door.
• We decided not to complain about the conditions.

After stative verbs like want, wish, need and mean, the negated verb is the main verb, and not the infinitive that follows.

I didn't want to wake her.
NOT: I wanted not to wake her.

I didn't wish to trouble them.
NOT: I wished not to trouble them.

I don't need to be early.
NOT: I need not to be early.

I didn't mean to break it.
NOT: I meant not to break it.