THE INFINITIVE

VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE

C. These are the most common of the verbs followed by a to-infinitive, with or without a noun.

Example:

I asked him to show me the book. I asked to see the book.

ask* beg* choose dare desire* elect expect* help mean* (=intend) request* want wish*

The verbs marked * can also be followed by a that-clause

Note:

dare: In negative and interrogative sentences the infinitive with or without 'to' is possible, though it is more common to omit the 'to':

I never dared tell him what happened. Dare you tell him the news? Would you dare (to) jump out of a plane? Examples:

We've chosen John to represent the company at the conference. The elephant didn't mean to tread on the mouse. We expect you to do your best in the exam. Do you want to go to the beach? Do you want me to go with you to the beach? You are requested to be quiet in this library.