English Verbs Followed by Infinitive (want to, need to)
to + base verb to express future actions and desires.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Many English verbs require a 'to' before the following verb to express purpose, desire, or necessity.
- Use 'to' + base verb after verbs like want, need, and hope. Example: 'I want to eat.'
- For negatives, put 'not' before 'to'. Example: 'I decided not to go.'
- Never use '-ing' after these specific verbs. Example: 'I hope to see you' (NOT 'I hope seeing you').
Overview
English has patterns for actions. You can use two action words. Use 'to' with the second word. For example, 'to go' or 'to eat'.
Learn pairs like 'want to' or 'need to'. This helps you speak better. You can say what you want to do later.
Use these words to say what you want or need. It helps you speak clearly. This is a big step for your English.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
I want to learn.
He needs to finish.
They planned to arrive.
I want to visit London. |
You want to visit London. |
She wants to visit London. |
We want to visit London. |
They want to visit London. |
I wanted to visit London. |
She wanted to visit London. |
We wanted to visit London. |
When To Use It
- Verbs:
want,wish,hope,long,desire,aim I want to improve my English fluency.(A current desire for a future state)She hopes to get a scholarship.(An aspiration for a future outcome)They long to see their family again.(A strong desire)
- Verbs:
decide,plan,intend,agree,promise,refuse,choose,resolve We decided to start the project next month.(A firm decision)He plans to complete his master's degree.(A future intention)I refused to accept the unfair terms.(A decision not to do something)
- Verbs:
need,require(thoughrequireoften takes a noun or gerund with an object, e.g.,requires studying, it can also take an infinitive, especially in formal contexts likeThey are required to attend) You need to submit your application by Friday.(An essential task)All employees are required to complete the training.(An obligation)
- Verbs:
learn,manage,endeavor,attempt,try(whentrymeans 'attempt') She learned to play the piano at a young age.(Acquiring a skill)Despite the challenges, we managed to finish on time.(Succeeding in difficulty)He tried to open the jar, but it was stuck.(An attempt)
- Verbs:
seem,appear It seems to be raining outside.(Observation based on appearance)The solution appears to work effectively.(How something functions based on observation)
My parents advised me to study harder.The teacher allowed us to leave early.
I can't afford to buy such an expensive car. | Financial ability |We agreed to meet at 7 PM. | Decision/Consent |He aims to become a doctor. | Intention/Goal |The new system appears to save energy. | Appearance/Observation |I asked to see the manager. | Request (without object) |She attempted to climb the mountain. | Endeavor/Effort |She claims to be an expert in the field. | Statement (often unverified) |We decided to go to the beach. | Decision |The protesters demanded to speak with the mayor. | Insistent request |You deserve to win the award. | Merit/Entitlement |I expect to hear from them soon. | Anticipation |He failed to complete the task on time. | Non-success/Omission |I hope to visit Japan next year. | Desire/Aspiration |She learned to code during the pandemic. | Skill acquisition |Somehow, we managed to find a parking spot. | Success in difficulty |You need to update your software. | Necessity |He offered to help me with my luggage. | Voluntary assistance |They plan to expand their business. | Intention/Strategy |We are preparing to launch the new product. | Readiness for future action |The child pretended to be asleep. | Feigned action |I promise to call you tomorrow. | Assurance/Commitment |She refused to discuss the matter further. | Rejection/Declination |It seems to be a good idea. | Appearance/Impression |I swear to tell the truth. | Solemn promise |People tend to be happier in summer. | General inclination |He threatened to report them to the authorities. | Warning/Intention of harm |I will try to concentrate. | Attempt/Effort (with effort implication)|I want to relax this weekend. | Desire |I wish to make a formal complaint. | Formal desire |I would like to order a coffee. | Polite desire |Common Mistakes
- Incorrect:
I want improving my speaking skills. - Correct:
I want to improve my speaking skills.
- Incorrect:
He needs finish his homework. - Correct:
He needs to finish his homework.
- Incorrect:
She plans to goes shopping. - Correct:
She plans to go shopping.
Try to do somethingmeans to make an effort or attempt to accomplish something, implying difficulty or challenge. Example:I tried to open the window, but it was stuck.(I made an effort).Try doing somethingmeans to experiment with an action to see what happens or if it solves a problem. Example:If you can't open it, try pushing harder.(Experiment with pushing).
I like to read books.(Correct)I like reading books.(Correct)I want to read books.(Correct)- Incorrect:
I want reading books.(Incorrect,wantrequires infinitive)
Real Conversations
Observing how native speakers employ verbs followed by infinitives in natural discourse reveals their centrality in communication. These structures are not confined to formal writing but are ubiquitous in daily interactions.
Scenario 1
- Anya: Hey, what do you want to do this weekend?
- Ben: I need to finish that report first. After that, I plan to relax a bit.
- Anya: Understood. I hope to catch that new exhibition at the gallery.
- Ben: Sounds good! I might try to join you if I finish everything.
Here, want to do expresses a desire, need to finish indicates a necessity, plan to relax states an intention, hope to catch conveys an aspiration, and try to join signifies an attempt. This brief exchange demonstrates several uses of the pattern.
Scenario 2
Subject
`Hi Team,
Thanks for a productive discussion today. We decided to proceed with the new marketing strategy. Sarah offered to lead the initial research, and Mark agreed to assist with data analysis. I expect to receive a preliminary report by Friday. Everyone needs to ensure their departmental updates are ready for review next week.
Best,
[Manager Name]`
In this professional context, decided to proceed, offered to lead, agreed to assist, expect to receive, and needs to ensure clearly delineate responsibilities, expectations, and future actions, making the communication precise and actionable.
Scenario 3
- User1: Ugh, my laptop's so slow. I need to get a new one soon.
- User2: Mine too! I plan to save up for a gaming rig.
- User1: Nice. I just want to browse without freezing. 😂
- User2: Haha, fair enough. Have you tried to clean out your old files? Sometimes that helps.
This informal chat shows how need to get, plan to save, want to browse, and tried to clean are naturally embedded in everyday language to express personal needs, plans, desires, and suggestions. The informal tried to clean implies making an effort to resolve the issue.
These examples illustrate that the verb + infinitive structure is fundamental across various registers and communication channels, providing a versatile means to express future-oriented actions, intentions, and obligations.
Quick FAQ
want to do and would like to do?I would like to leave now, if that's possible (polite request).I decided not to go to the party.He promised not to be late again.
Conjugating the Main Verb (Infinitive stays the same)
| Subject | Main Verb (Tense) | Infinitive Bridge | Base Verb | Full Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
want (Present)
|
to
|
travel
|
I want to travel.
|
|
He
|
wants (Present)
|
to
|
travel
|
He wants to travel.
|
|
They
|
wanted (Past)
|
to
|
travel
|
They wanted to travel.
|
|
She
|
is planning (Continuous)
|
to
|
travel
|
She is planning to travel.
|
|
We
|
will need (Future)
|
to
|
travel
|
We will need to travel.
|
|
You
|
should try (Modal)
|
to
|
travel
|
You should try to travel.
|
Informal Spoken Reductions
| Full Form | Spoken Reduction | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
|
want to
|
wanna
|
I wanna go.
|
Never use in formal writing.
|
|
going to
|
gonna
|
I'm gonna win.
|
Used for future intentions.
|
|
got to
|
gotta
|
I gotta leave.
|
Means 'have to' or 'must'.
|
Meanings
A grammatical structure where a primary verb is followed by an infinitive (to + verb) to indicate the objective or intent of the subject.
Expressing Desire
Using verbs like 'want', 'wish', or 'would like' to show what someone hopes will happen.
“I want to travel to Japan next year.”
“They would like to order some pizza.”
Expressing Necessity
Using verbs like 'need' or 'have' to show an obligation or requirement.
“We need to buy more milk.”
“You have to wear a seatbelt.”
Expressing Plans and Decisions
Using verbs like 'decide', 'plan', 'hope', or 'agree' to talk about future intentions.
“She decided to quit her job.”
“We are planning to move to London.”
Attempts and Failures
Using verbs like 'try', 'attempt', 'fail', or 'manage' to describe the effort put into an action.
“He tried to open the window.”
“I managed to finish the report on time.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + Verb + to + Base
|
I hope to pass the exam.
|
|
Negative (Main Verb)
|
Subject + don't/doesn't + Verb + to + Base
|
I don't want to leave.
|
|
Negative (Infinitive)
|
Subject + Verb + not + to + Base
|
I decided not to go.
|
|
Question
|
Do/Does + Subject + Verb + to + Base?
|
Do you need to call home?
|
|
Past Question
|
Did + Subject + Verb + to + Base?
|
Did he plan to arrive late?
|
|
With 'Would like'
|
Subject + would like + to + Base
|
She would like to order.
|
Formality Spectrum
I wish to depart now. (Leaving a location)
I want to leave. (Leaving a location)
I wanna go. (Leaving a location)
I'm outtie. (Leaving a location)
Common Verbs Followed by To-Infinitive
Desires
- want to desire
- hope to wish
Plans
- decide to choose
- plan to organize
Infinitive vs. Gerund
Should I use 'to'?
Is the first verb 'want', 'need', or 'hope'?
Verb Categories
Commitment
- • promise
- • agree
- • refuse
Effort
- • try
- • manage
- • fail
Examples by Level
I want to eat.
I need to sleep.
Do you want to play?
She needs to go home.
I hope to see you soon.
We decided to stay here.
He promised to call me.
They plan to buy a car.
I managed to finish the work.
She refused to answer the phone.
We agreed not to talk about it.
I am learning to drive a car.
He seems to be enjoying the party.
I didn't expect to be invited.
She appears to have lost her keys.
They hesitated to ask for help.
I would hate for you to miss out.
He neglected to mention the cost.
We endeavored to reach an agreement.
To simply ignore the problem is unwise.
She was to have been the keynote speaker.
I happened to overhear their conversation.
The bridge is yet to be completed.
He was so lucky as to win the lottery.
Easily Confused
Learners often put 'to' after all verbs, including modals like 'can', 'must', and 'should'.
Some verbs like 'enjoy' or 'finish' look like they should take 'to' but they take '-ing'.
The verb 'try' can take both, but the meaning changes.
Common Mistakes
I want go.
I want to go.
I need eating.
I need to eat.
He wants to goes.
He wants to go.
I must to go.
I must go.
I hope seeing you.
I hope to see you.
She decided to not go.
She decided not to go.
We plan to buying a house.
We plan to buy a house.
I managed finishing.
I managed to finish.
He refused to telling me.
He refused to tell me.
I would like for to go.
I would like to go.
I hesitated to not asking.
I hesitated not to ask.
Sentence Patterns
I want to ___ because ___.
She decided not to ___ after ___.
Do you need to ___ before you ___?
I managed to ___ despite ___.
Real World Usage
I would like to order the steak, please.
I hope to contribute to your team's success.
Wanna grab a drink later?
I need to check my bags.
I need to see the doctor about my back.
I decided to start a new hobby today!
The 'Future' Hint
No -ing after Want
Polite Requests
Spoken English
Smart Tips
Ask yourself: Has the action happened yet? If it's a plan or a wish, use 'to'.
Don't use 'that'. Use the pattern: Want + Person + To + Verb.
Replace 'want to' with 'would like to' or 'wish to' for a more professional tone.
In conversation, we often drop the verb after 'to' if it's already understood.
Pronunciation
The Reduction of 'To'
In natural speech, 'to' is rarely pronounced as /tuː/. It is usually reduced to a schwa /tə/.
Wanna
When 'want' and 'to' are together, they often blend into one word in American English.
Stress on the main verb
I WANT to go. (Emphasis on desire)
Conveys strong feeling about the action.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
W.N.H.D.P: We Never Have Dirty Plates (Want, Need, Hope, Decide, Promise).
Visual Association
Imagine a physical bridge labeled 'TO' connecting two islands. Island 1 is 'WANT' and Island 2 is 'EAT'. You cannot cross without the 'TO' bridge.
Rhyme
If you want to play or need to stay, don't forget the 'to' today!
Story
I wanted to go to the park. I needed to find my shoes. I promised to be back by five. I managed to arrive on time.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 things you plan to do this weekend using 'I plan to...', 'I want to...', and 'I need to...'.
Cultural Notes
Using 'I want to' can sometimes sound too direct or demanding. In shops or restaurants, 'I would like to' is preferred for politeness.
The use of 'wanna' is extremely common in pop music and movies, which can make learners think it is acceptable in all situations. It is not.
British speakers might use 'I fancy' + -ing instead of 'I want to' in very casual settings.
In Old English, the infinitive was a single word with a suffix (e.g., 'drincan' for 'to drink'). The word 'to' was originally a preposition indicating direction.
Conversation Starters
What do you want to do after you finish your English course?
What is something you've always wanted to learn to do?
If you could travel anywhere, where would you choose to go?
Have you ever refused to do something your boss asked?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
I want ___ a new car.
She needs ___ finish her homework.
Find and fix the mistake:
We decided not going to the party.
I plan on visiting London. (plan)
He managed to opening the door.
A: Are you coming? B: No, I promised ___ my mom.
Group: Hope, Decide, Enjoy, Plan
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesI want ___ a new car.
She needs ___ finish her homework.
Find and fix the mistake:
We decided not going to the party.
I plan on visiting London. (plan)
He managed to opening the door.
A: Are you coming? B: No, I promised ___ my mom.
Group: Hope, Decide, Enjoy, Plan
1. I want... 2. I enjoy...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI want ___ that new video game everyone is talking about.
They decided moving to a bigger apartment.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella espera aprender un nuevo idioma.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with their appropriate infinitive completions:
Did you manage ___ your flight details?
She offered helping me with my homework.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'No puedo permitirme comprar ese coche.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
We need ___ our meeting until next week.
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, in English we say `I want you to go`. We don't use 'that' after 'want'.
Only if it's a very casual email to a close friend. In business or formal writing, always use `want to`.
They are very similar. `Need to` often implies a personal necessity, while `have to` often implies an outside rule or obligation.
It's often historical. However, 'to' usually refers to future or hypothetical actions, while '-ing' refers to real or completed activities.
Yes! This is called a 'split infinitive' (e.g., `to quickly run`). It's common and accepted in modern English.
No. Modal verbs like `can`, `could`, `should`, `must`, and `might` are followed by the base verb without 'to'.
Put 'not' before 'to'. For example: `I decided not to eat meat`.
No. `I'm going to` is for future plans that are already decided. `I want to` just expresses a desire.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Quiero comer
Spanish does not use a connector like 'to' between these verbs.
Je veux manger / J'ai besoin de manger
French uses different prepositions depending on the specific verb.
Ich will essen / Ich versuche zu essen
In German, the 'zu + verb' usually goes at the very end of the sentence.
Tabetai (want to eat)
Japanese uses suffixes rather than separate connecting words.
Urīdu an akula
The verb following 'an' is still conjugated for the person.
Wǒ xiǎng chī
There is no grammatical marker like 'to' in Chinese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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