Cases where we use to-infinitive in English

1. Dialogue

Emma: Hi, Jake! I’m so excited to meet you today. I wanted to talk about our weekend plans.

Jake: Great! I was planning to go hiking on Saturday. Would you like to join me?

Emma: That sounds fun! But I need to check my schedule first. I promised my mom to help her with some chores.

Jake: No problem! Just let me know. I also need to buy some snacks for the trip.

Emma: Okay! I’ll try to finish my work early so I can come.

Jake: Awesome! I hope to see you there!

He is planning to go hiking.

2. Explanation: When Do We Use the To-Infinitive?

The to-infinitive is the base form of a verb with to (e.g., to go, to eat, to study). We use the to-infinitive in several situations:

A. After certain verbs

Some verbs are followed by the to-infinitive, such as: agree, decide, expect, hope, learn, need, offer, plan, promise, refuse, want, would like

Example:

  • want → I want to learn Spanish.

  • plan → She plans to travel next year.

  • need → We need to leave soon.

  • hope → They hope to visit us.

  • decide → He decided to buy a new car.

B. After adjectives

We often use the to-infinitive after adjectives to explain feelings or opinions:

  • I’m happy to help you.

  • She was excited to start her new job.

  • It’s important to drink water every day.

C. To express purpose (Why we do something)

We use the to-infinitive to explain the reason for an action:

  • I went to the store to buy some milk.

  • He studies hard to pass the exam.

  • She left early to catch the bus.

D. After certain nouns

Some nouns are often followed by the to-infinitive:

  • It was a pleasure to meet you.

  • He gave me a chance to explain.

  • I have an idea to improve our project.

E. After question words (what, where, how, etc.)

We can use the to-infinitive after question words:

  • I don’t know what to do.

  • She asked me how to get to the station.

  • He showed us where to park.

G. After some verbs + object:

  • advise, allow, ask, encourage, expect, force, invite, need, order, remind, tell, want, warn

  • Example: She told me to wait outside.

H. With "too" and "enough":

  • Example: The bag is too heavy to carry.

3. Verbs that can take both -ing and to-infinitive (with different meanings)

  1. Remember, forget, regret

    • I remember locking the door. (I have a memory of it.)
    • I remembered to lock the door. (I did not forget to do it.)

  2. Try

    • Try eating healthy food. (Experiment with it.)
    • Try to eat healthy food. (Make an effort.)

  3. Need

    • This room needs cleaning. (= This room needs to be cleaned.)
    • You need to clean this room. (You have to do it.)

  4. Like, love, hate

    • I like reading books. (General preference.)
    • I’d like to read a book now. (Specific situation.)

4. Practice: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct to-infinitive form of the verbs in parentheses.

  1. I want ______ (learn) a new language.

  2. She was surprised ______ (see) him at the party.

  3. We decided ______ (go) to the beach.

  4. He needs ______ (finish) his homework before playing.

  5. Can you tell me how ______ (use) this app?

5. Summary

  • Use to-infinitive after certain verbs (want, plan, decide, hope, need, etc.).

  • Use to-infinitive after adjectives (happy, excited, important, etc.).

  • Use to-infinitive to express purpose (I exercise to stay healthy).

  • Use to-infinitive after some nouns (chance, idea, pleasure, etc.).

  • Use to-infinitive after question words (what, where, how, etc.).

  • Use to-infinitive after some verbs + object (advise, allow, ask, etc.).

  • Use to-infinitive with "too" and "enough" (too heavy to carry, etc.).

Now, try making your own sentences using the to-infinitive!

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