Verb (+ object) + to ...
Want somebody to, tell somebody to, and other verb + object + to patterns
Verb + to … and Verb + Object + to …
Some verbs can work in two patterns: with or without an object before to.
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| verb + to … | We expected to be late for the meeting. |
| verb + object + to … | We expected Dan to be late for the meeting. |
The verbs that allow both patterns include want, expect, ask, help, would like, and would prefer.
- Would you like to go now?
- Would you like me to go now?
- He doesn’t want to know the results yet.
- He doesn’t want anybody to know the results yet.
Do not use that after want:
- Do you want me to come with you? (not
want that I come)
With help, the to is optional. Both forms are correct:
- Can you help me to prepare the slides?
- Can you help me prepare the slides?
Verbs That Always Need an Object Before to
Some verbs always need an object between the verb and to. You cannot use them without one.
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| tell | She told the team to finish the report by Friday. |
| advise | I wouldn’t advise you to book that hotel for the conference. |
| remind | Can you remind me to call the supplier tomorrow? |
| warn | The technician warned me not to touch the exposed wiring. |
| invite | They invited us to attend the product demo. |
| encourage | My manager encouraged me to apply for the promotion. |
| persuade | Sarah persuaded me to apply for the job. |
| get | I didn’t move the filing cabinet by myself. I got someone to help me. |
| force | The deadline forced us to work over the weekend. |
| teach | Who taught you to use this software? |
| allow | They don’t allow staff to park in front of the building. |
| enable | Having a company car enables you to get to client sites faster. |
These verbs also work in the passive:
- I was warned not to touch the switch.
- Are we allowed to park here?
Watch out for suggest. Do not use suggest with to:
- My colleague suggested that I ask the IT department. (not
suggested me to ask)
Make and Let (No to)
Make and let follow a different pattern. They take an object + base verb, with no to.
| Verb | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| make | make + object + base verb | The long commute makes me feel tired. |
| let | let + object + base verb | My supervisor let me leave early on Friday. |
- She made him promise he wouldn’t tell anyone about the restructuring. (not
made him to promise) - They wouldn’t let her access the server room alone. (= wouldn’t allow her to access)
- *Let me carry those boxes for you.*
In the passive, make changes to made to do (with to):
- We were made to wait for two hours at the customs office. (= They made us wait)
Quick Self-Check
I didn't move the desk by myself. I got someone _____ me.
Select your answer:
The manager wouldn't let us _____ the building after 9 p.m.
Select your answer:
She _____ me to call the client before noon.
Select your answer:
We were _____ to wait in the lobby for over an hour.
Select your answer:
Do you want _____ with you to the meeting?
Select your answer: