Use the infinitive with to after certain common verbs, such as want, need, and would like, as in I want to go home, and after certain adjectives, such as happy or ready, as in I’m happy to help you. Which verbs and adjectives take the infinitive must be memorized individually.
Grammar Rule
The infinitive with to is used after certain common verbs and adjectives; memorize which ones.
Infinitives with To: Rules and Examples
| Followed by to + verb | Common words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verbs | want, need, would like, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, offer, refuse, try, expect, learn | I want to go home. She needs to study for the exam. We would like to visit Paris. |
| Adjectives | happy, glad, ready, afraid, difficult, important, easy, necessary | I’m happy to help you. It’s important to arrive on time. |
Remember: memorize which verbs and adjectives are followed by to + verb.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the infinitive with to correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Infinitives – After Adjectives and Certain Verbs (Want to, Need to, Would Like to)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of verbs are followed by the infinitive with to?
Verbs like want, need, would like, decide, hope, plan, and promise are commonly followed by the infinitive with to, as in she needs to study for the exam.
What kind of adjectives are followed by the infinitive with to?
Adjectives like happy, glad, ready, and important are often followed by the infinitive with to, as in it’s important to arrive on time.
Is there a rule to know which verbs take the infinitive?
There is no single rule; these verbs and adjectives must be learned and memorized as a group through practice and exposure.
Can the infinitive with to follow a preposition?
No, prepositions are followed by the gerund, not the infinitive with to; the infinitive with to follows specific verbs and adjectives instead.