UNIT 54. Verb + (object) + to... (I want (you) to do etc.)

UNIT 54. Verb + (object) + to... (I want (you) to do etc.)

A. want ask help would like would love

expect beg mean (= intend) would prefer would hate

These verbs are followed by to... (infinitive). The structure can be:

verb + to ...

* We expected to be late.

* Would you like to go now?

* He doesn't want to know.

or verb + object + to...

* We expected Tom to be late.

* Would you like me to go now?

* He doesn't want anybody to know.

Be careful with want. Do not say 'want that...':

* Do you want me to come with you? (not 'Do you want that I come')

After help you can use the infinitive with or without to. So you can say:

* Can you help me to move this table? or Can you help me move this table?

B. tell remind force enable teach order warn invite persuade get (= persuade, arrange for)

These verbs have the structure verb + object + to ... :

* Can you remind me to phone Ann tomorrow?

* Who taught you to drive?

* I didn't move the piano by myself. I got somebody to help me.

* Jim said the switch was dangerous and warned me not to touch it.

In the next example, the verb is passive (was warned):

* I was warned not to touch the switch.

Note that you cannot use suggest with the structure verb + object + to ...

* Jane suggested that I should buy a car. (not 'Jane suggested me to buy')

For suggest, see Units 34 and 52.

C. advise recommend encourage allow permit forbid

There are two possible structures after these verbs. Compare:

verb + ~ing (without an object)

* I wouldn't recommend staying in that hotel.

* She doesn't allow smoking in the house.

verb + object + to...

* I wouldn't recommend anybody to stay in that hotel.

* She doesn't allow us to smoke in the house.

Compare these examples with (be) allowed (passive):

* Smoking isn't allowed in the house.

* We aren't allowed to smoke in the house.

D. Make and let

These verbs have the structure verb + object + infinitive (without to):

* The customs officer made Sally open her case. (not 'to open')

* Hot weather makes me feel tired. (= causes me to feel tired)

* Her parents wouldn't let her go out alone. (= wouldn't allow her to go out)

* Let me carry your bag for you.

We say 'make somebody do...' (not 'to do'), but the passive is '(be) made to do ...' (infinitive with to):

* Sally was made to open her case (by the customs officer).