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'

Examples

VERB	TO-INFINITIVE
I hope...	to see you next week.
	THAT- CLAUSE
I hope...	that I'll see you next week

List of verbs normally followed by the infinitive

afford agree1 aim appear1 arrange1 bother care claim1 condescend consent decide1 demand1 determine1 endeavour

fail guarantee1 happen 1 hasten have (= be obliged) hesitate hope1 learn long manage offer prepare pretend1 proceed

promise1 propose prove (= turn out) refuse resolve1 seek seem1 strive swear1 tend threaten1 trouble undertake volunteer vow1

¹ These verbs can only be followed by a 'that-clause' when they have the subject 'it'. 

Example

• 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.