Some of the verbs dealt with below, for example want and like, can also be ordinary transitive verbs, with a noun phrase after them. Transitive verbs are explained in paragraphs 3.14 to 3.25.
3.184 If you want to talk about two actions that are less closely linked, you refer to each action in a separate clause. Ways of combining clauses are explained in Chapter 8.
verb forms
3.185 The first verb involved in this type of structure is the main verb of the structure. It usually inflects for tense and agrees in number with the subject; it is finite.
I wanted to come home.
Lonnie wants to say sorry.
More and more people are coming to appreciate the contribution that these people make to our society.
3.186 The second verb in the combination does not inflect for tense or change its form at all; it is non-finite.
She tried to read.
They had been trying to read.
Information about finite and non-finite forms can be found in the Reference Section.
3.187 There are four non-finite verb forms that are used for the second verb in this type of structure:
Note that the infinitive without to and the -ed participle form of the verb are used in only a few combinations.
Other kinds of -ing form and infinitive are also sometimes used.
Those very close to the blast risk being burnt.
Neither Rita nor I recalled ever having seen her.
She wanted to be reassured.
They claimed to have shot down 22 planes.
3.188 The position of not in negative structures of this type is explained in paragraphs 5.57 and 5.58.
Talking about two actions done by the same person
3.189 When you are talking about two actions that are done by the same person, you use the second verb directly after the first.
Children enjoy playing alongside each other.
You deserve to know the truth.
verbs followed by an -ing participle
3.190 Some verbs are always followed by an -ing participle clause in structures of this kind.
She admitted lying to him.
Have you finished reading the paper?
He missed having someone to dislike.
I recall being very impressed with the official anthems.
Here is a list of verbs that are used with an -ing participle, but not a to-infinitive:
admit
adore
appreciate
avoid
celebrate
commence
consider
contemplate
defer
delay
deny
describe
detest
discontinue
dislike
dread
endure
enjoy
fancy
finish
go
imagine
keep
lie
loathe
mention
mind
miss
postpone
practise
recall
report
resent
resist
risk
sit
stand
stop
suggest
These verbs are also sometimes used with a passive -ing form.
They enjoy being praised.
Admit, celebrate, deny, mention, and recall are quite often used with a perfect -ing form.
Carmichael had denied having seen him.
3.191 Note that need can be used with an -ing participle after it, but the -ing participle then has the same meaning as a passive to-infinitive. For example, The house needs cleaning means the same as The house needs to be cleaned.
Require and want are also occasionally used in the same way, although some people do not like this use of want.
verbs followed by a to-infinitive
3.192 Other verbs are used with a to-infinitive.
Mrs Babcock had always longed to go to Ireland.
She forgot to bring a suitcase.
She wishes to ask a favour of you.
Here is a list of verbs that are used with a to-infinitive, and rarely or never with an -ing participle:
ache
afford
agree
aim
appear
arrange
ask
attempt
care
choose
claim
consent
dare
decide
demand
deserve
desire
disdain
endeavour
expect
fail
fight
forget
grow
happen
help
hesitate
hope
intend
learn
live
long
manage
mean
need
neglect
offer
opt
pay
plan
pledge
prepare
pretend
promise
prove
reckon
refuse
resolve
scorn
seek
seem
survive
swear
tend
threaten
trouble
venture
volunteer
vote
vow
wait
want
wish
Most of these verbs can be used with a passive infinitive.
She refused to be photographed.
He deserves to be shot.
The following verbs from the above list are not usually used with a passive infinitive, because of their meanings:
claim
dare
forget
intend
learn
manage
mean
neglect
pretend
threaten
trouble
venture
Appear, claim, happen, pretend, prove, seem, and tend are quite often used with a perfect infinitive.
They seemed to have disappeared.
Note that help is also followed by the infinitive without to.
Coffee helped keep him alert.
3.193 Note that afford is always preceded by a modal, and that care is normally used with a negative.
Can we afford to ignore this source of power as other sources of energy are diminishing? …a kitchen for someone who doesn’t care to cook.