MNW English Grammar » The Infinitive » Verbs followed by infinitive
Verbs followed by 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'
Example:
| 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 |
fail |
promise1 |
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.
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