The rule, as people use it
"To" plus the base verb, like to go, to eat, to call, is the other big pattern after verbs. The term is infinitive. It follows verbs that point forward, toward something you haven't done yet: want, need, hope, plan, decide, agree, promise, offer, learn, try, forget, would like. "I want to leave early." "We decided to stay." "She promised to call."
That forward-looking feel is a good way to remember the difference from -ing, which you saw in the last lesson. "I enjoy cooking" is about an activity you already do. "I want to cook" is about something that hasn't happened.
A few verbs take both, and the meaning shifts. "I stopped to buy coffee" means I stopped walking so that I could buy coffee. "I stopped buying coffee" means I don't buy it anymore. "Remember to lock the door" is about a future job. "I remember locking the door" is a memory. Other verbs take a person before "to": "She asked me to help." "They told us to wait." The mistake here is "She wants that I help", which many languages allow. English says "She wants me to help."
Examples
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Fill the gap
Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.
- 1
I need (call) my mom tonight.
- 2
We've decided (sell) the car.
- 3
Would you like (come) with us?
- 4
Amelia wants (I / help) her move.
- 5
Remember (turn off) the lights when you leave.
- 6
I stopped (drink) coffee after lunch, and now I sleep better.
- 7
Sora promised (not / be) late again.
- 8
The doctor told him (rest) for a week.
Practice · 3 min
Write six sentences about your plans for the next month, each with a different verb from this list: want, need, plan, hope, decide, try. Then write two sentences where someone asks or tells you to do something: "My boss asked me to..." Read all eight out loud, and check that each one has "to" plus the base verb, with no -ing.
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.