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
to 加上动词原形构成，例如 to go、to eat 或 to study。掌握像 want to 或 need to 这样的动词-不定式组合，对于构建听起来自然的句子、准确表达意图和愿望至关重要。to 可以被理解为一个指示器，指向即将发生的动作或状态。She decided to study French. （她决定学习法语。）这里的 decided 指的是过去的决定，但 to study 指的是一个计划在将来的动作，而不是当前正在做的事情，也不是一个普遍的偏好。决定发生在行动之前。同样，I hope to travel next year. （我希望明年去旅行。）表达的是一个目前尚未实现的未来愿望。这种指向未来的特点，是支配这些特定动词后跟不定式的主要语言学原则。它暗示着一种意愿、一种义务，或者一系列事件，其中主语动词设定了后续不定式动作的背景。主语 + 动词 (已变化) + to + 动词原形I want to learn.（我想学。）He needs to finish.（他需要完成。）They planned to arrive.（他们计划到达。）
to 加上动词原形的形式出现。第一个动词承担了所有关于时态和主语一致性的语法信息。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. | |to + 动词原形 这个整体的“单元”至关重要。任何对动词原形（例如，加上 -s、-ed 或 -ing）的修改都会导致语法错误。例如，He wants to studies 是错误的，必须是 He wants to study。- 动词：
want,wish,hope,long,desire,aim I want to improve my English fluency.（我希望提高我的英语流利度。）（对未来状态的当前愿望）She hopes to get a scholarship.（她希望获得奖学金。）（对未来结果的憧憬）They long to see their family again.（他们渴望再次见到家人。）（强烈的愿望）
- 动词：
decide,plan,intend,agree,promise,refuse,choose,resolve We decided to start the project next month.（我们决定下个月开始这个项目。）（一个坚定的决定）He plans to complete his master's degree.（他计划完成他的硕士学位。）（未来的意图）I refused to accept the unfair terms.（我拒绝接受不公平的条款。）（决定不做某事）
- 动词：
need,require(虽然require后面常跟名词或带宾语的动名词，例如requires studying，但在正式语境中也可跟不定式，如They are required to attend- 他们被要求参加) You need to submit your application by Friday.（你需要在周五前提交申请。）（一项必要的任务）All employees are required to complete the training.（所有员工都被要求完成培训。）（一项义务）
- 动词：
learn,manage,endeavor,attempt,try(当try意为“尝试”时) She learned to play the piano at a young age.（她从小就学会了弹钢琴。）（技能习得）Despite the challenges, we managed to finish on time.（尽管有挑战，我们还是设法按时完成了。）（在困难中成功）He tried to open the jar, but it was stuck.（他试图拧开罐子，但它卡住了。）（一次尝试）
- 动词：
seem,appear It seems to be raining outside.（外面似乎在下雨。）（基于外观的观察）The solution appears to work effectively.（这个解决方案似乎能有效工作。）（基于观察的运作方式）
advise, allow, ask, cause, convince, encourage, expect, forbid, force, invite, order, permit, persuade, remind, tell, warn。My parents advised me to study harder.（我父母建议我更努力地学习。）The teacher allowed us to leave early.（老师允许我们早点离开。）
I can't afford to buy such an expensive car. | 经济能力 | |We agreed to meet at 7 PM. | 决定/同意 | |He aims to become a doctor. | 意图/目标 | |The new system appears to save energy. | 外观/观察 | |They arranged to have dinner together. | 计划/组织 | |I asked to see the manager. | 请求 (无宾语) | |She attempted to climb the mountain. | 努力/尝试 | |He chose to pursue a career in art. | 决定/偏好 | |She claims to be an expert in the field. | 陈述 (常未经验证) | |We decided to go to the beach. | 决定 | |The protesters demanded to speak with the mayor. | 坚持要求 | |You deserve to win the award. | 功绩/应得 | |I expect to hear from them soon. | 预期 | |He failed to complete the task on time. | 未成功/疏忽 | |I hope to visit Japan next year. | 愿望/憧憬 | |She learned to code during the pandemic. | 技能习得 | |Somehow, we managed to find a parking spot.| 困难中成功 | |I didn't mean to offend you. | 意图 (常用于否定语境) | |You need to update your software. | 必要性 | |He offered to help me with my luggage. | 自愿帮助 | |They plan to expand their business. | 意图/策略 | |We are preparing to launch the new product.| 为未来行动做准备 | |The child pretended to be asleep. | 假装的动作 | |I promise to call you tomorrow. | 保证/承诺 | |She refused to discuss the matter further. | 拒绝/不愿 | |It seems to be a good idea. | 外观/印象 | |I swear to tell the truth. | 郑重承诺 | |People tend to be happier in summer. | 一般倾向 | |He threatened to report them to the authorities. | 警告/意图伤害 | |I will try to concentrate. | 尝试/努力 (暗示付出努力) | |I want to relax this weekend. | 愿望 | |I wish to make a formal complaint. | 正式愿望 | |I would like to order a coffee. | 礼貌的愿望 | |- 错误：
I want going. - 正确：
I want to go. - 原因分析： 中文里我们说“我想要去”，动词“要”和“去”之间没有特别的连接词。而英语中，
want这个动词后面必须跟to + 动词原形的结构来表达“想要做某事”的愿望。直接跟-ing形式（动名词）是错误的。
try to do 和 try doing： 这两个结构的意思不同，很多学习者会混淆。try to do强调的是 尝试去做某事，可能成功也可能失败，但重点在于付出了努力。He tried to open the door, but it was locked.（他试着去开门，但门锁着。）—— 重点在于他尝试了。try doing强调的是 为了解决问题或达到某个目的而尝试做某事，通常是作为一种实验或方法。If you can't sleep, try drinking some warm milk.（如果你睡不着，试着喝点热牛奶。）—— 建议喝热牛奶这个方法。- 原因分析： 中文里的“试着做”通常只有一个表达。英语中，
try这个动词后面跟不定式或动名词，含义会发生微妙但重要的变化。中文学习者容易将try to do的“尝试”理解为try doing的“试用某种方法”，从而用错场景。
need 后面使用 to be + 过去分词： need 后面跟不定式表示主动的必要性，而跟动名词表示被动的必要性。- 主动（需要去做）：
I need to finish this report.（我需要完成这份报告。） - 被动（需要被做）：
The report needs finishing.或The report needs to be finished.（这份报告需要被完成。） - 常见错误：
The report needs to finish.（这是错误的，报告自己不会完成。） - 原因分析： 中文里，“需要完成报告”和“报告需要被完成”的句子结构差别不大，我们靠语境理解。而在英语中，
need后跟不定式（主动）和动名词（被动）的结构非常重要。中文学习者容易忽略这种主动/被动的结构差异，尤其是在“报告需要完成”这种语境下，不自觉地将“报告”看作执行者，从而犯错。
to： 有些动词后面直接跟动词原形（如 let, make, help），这与我们讨论的“动词 + to + 原形”的模式不同。但学习者有时会把 want, decide 这些后面需要 to 的动词，误记为可以直接跟动词原形。- 错误：
I want go. - 正确：
I want to go. - 原因分析： 这是一个记忆和区分的问题。中文里没有不定式这个概念，我们直接说“我想要去”。英语中
want是一个需要to引导不定式的动词，而let、make是不需要to的动词。需要通过大量练习来区分和记忆哪些动词需要to，哪些不需要。
to be + 过去分词（被动不定式）。I want to eat. | ✗ | I want eating. (错误) | 我想要吃 (未来/愿望) |She hopes to succeed. | ✗ | She hopes succeeding. (错误)| 她希望成功 (未来/愿望) |We decided to move. | ✗ | We decided moving. (错误)| 我们决定搬家 (决定/计划) |He plans to travel. | ✗ | He plans traveling. (错误)| 他计划旅行 (计划/意图) |I learned to swim. | ✓ (较少见，但有时可)| He is learning fast. (这里learning是进行时，非动名词)| 我学会了游泳 (技能习得) |I remembered to lock the door. (我记得（去）锁了门) | (指回忆起做过某事) | I remember locking the door. (我记得我锁了门这件事) | 记得去做 vs. 记得做过 |Try to be quiet. | (试用某种方法) | Try adding salt. | 试着去做 vs. 试试加盐 |He stopped to smoke. (他停下（正在做的事）去抽烟) | (停止做某事) | He stopped smoking. (他停止了抽烟这个习惯/活动) | 停下来去做 vs. 停止做 |I regret to inform you... (我很遗憾地通知你...) | (后悔做了某事) | I regret telling him. (我很后悔告诉他) | 遗憾地去做 vs. 后悔做了 |need, want, expect 等动词在表达被动含义时，可以跟 to be + 过去分词。I need to wash the car. | 需要被做 | The car needs to be washed. | 我需要洗车 / 车需要被洗 |She wants to finish the project. | 想要被做 | The project wants to be finished. (较少见，不如用被动语态) | 她想完成项目 / 项目想被完成 (不自然) |We expect to complete the task. | 预期会被做 | The task expects to be completed. (同上，不如用被动语态) | 我们预期完成任务 / 任务预期被完成 (不自然) |want, expect 等动词，虽然理论上可以跟被动不定式，但在实际使用中，当表达被动含义时，更常用的是主动语态的句子（例如：The project needs finishing.）或者完整的被动语态（例如：The project must be finished.）。只有 need 后面跟被动不定式是最自然和常见的用法。to + 动词原形，有些跟 动词-ing 形式？这有规律可循吗？to do）常与未来、计划、愿望、决定等相关；动名词（doing）常与已发生、习惯、一般性活动、作为名词使用等相关。多看例句，多练习，慢慢就会熟悉。I want buy 还是 I want to buy？I want to buy！want 是一个典型的后面需要跟不定式（to + 动词原形）的动词。说 I want buy 是错误的。所以，你想买奶茶，就说 I want to buy a cup of bubble tea.。need to do 和 have to do 有什么区别？它们后面都跟不定式吗？need to do 和 have to do 都表示“必须做某事”，并且后面都跟不定式。它们在很多情况下可以互换。但细微区别在于：need to do侧重于必要性，强调这件事是需要的，不做不行。have to do侧重于义务或外部规定，强调有责任或有规定要求你做。
I need to study for the exam.（我需要学习（为考试），这是必须的。）I have to wear a uniform at school.（我必须穿校服（上学），这是规定。）
She decided to go.，你反复遇到 decide to do，就会形成肌肉记忆。可以尝试在做阅读题、听力题时，特别留意这些动词的用法，或者自己造句练习。比如，今天学了 plan to do，就试着说 I plan to travel to Shanghai next month.，明天学了 hope to do，就说 I hope to see you soon.。把它们用在你的微信朋友圈、和朋友的对话里，效果会更好！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.
|
正式程度
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
按水平分级的例句
I want to eat.
I want to eat.
I need to sleep.
I need to sleep.
Do you want to play?
Do you want to play?
She needs to go home.
She needs to go home.
I hope to see you soon.
I hope to see you soon.
We decided to stay here.
We decided to stay here.
He promised to call me.
He promised to call me.
They plan to buy a car.
They plan to buy a car.
I managed to finish the work.
I managed to finish the work.
She refused to answer the phone.
She refused to answer the phone.
We agreed not to talk about it.
We agreed not to talk about it.
I am learning to drive a car.
I am learning to drive a car.
He seems to be enjoying the party.
He seems to be enjoying the party.
I didn't expect to be invited.
I didn't expect to be invited.
She appears to have lost her keys.
She appears to have lost her keys.
They hesitated to ask for help.
They hesitated to ask for help.
I would hate for you to miss out.
I would hate for you to miss out.
He neglected to mention the cost.
He neglected to mention the cost.
We endeavored to reach an agreement.
We endeavored to reach an agreement.
To simply ignore the problem is unwise.
To simply ignore the problem is unwise.
She was to have been the keynote speaker.
She was to have been the keynote speaker.
I happened to overhear their conversation.
I happened to overhear their conversation.
The bridge is yet to be completed.
The bridge is yet to be completed.
He was so lucky as to win the lottery.
He was so lucky as to win the lottery.
容易混淆
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.
常见错误
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.
句型
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.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
W.N.H.D.P: We Never Have Dirty Plates (Want, Need, Hope, Decide, Promise).
视觉联想
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
挑战
Write 5 things you plan to do this weekend using 'I plan to...', 'I want to...', and 'I need to...'.
文化笔记
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.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
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
练习题
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
常见问题 (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
Learn These First
Continue With
动词与动名词或不定式：意义不变
### Overview 在英语语法中，很多选择会让学习者感到困惑。其中，在动词后面使用动名词（gerund，动词的-`ing`形式，用作名词）...
被动报告结构（据说他...）
### Overview 对于已经达到 C1 级别的英语学习者来说，掌握基础的被动语态只是第一步。在高级英语，尤其是学术写作、新闻报道、...
高级被动语态：报告谣言与信仰（据说他...）
### Overview 在C1阶段，熟练掌握诸如 `He is said to be...` 这样的高级被动语态报告结构，对于精准、正式且带有一定距离感地...
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分词短语：主语与动词行为的匹配
Overview 你有没有不小心在 Instagram 上告诉你的粉丝，你的早咖啡在睡了一大觉后感到 `feeling refreshed`？或者你发推特说，`s...
被动语态动名词和不定式 (being done / to be done)
### Overview 对于母语为中文的英语学习者来说，掌握“被动动名词”(`passive gerunds`)和“被动不定式”(`passive infinitives`)是...
Stop + 动名词 vs 不定式: 停止做某事 vs 停下来做某事
### Overview 在英语的语法世界里，动词的后面可以跟不同的结构，而这些结构的选择往往会带来意思上的细微差别。其中一个非常重...
Infinitives and Gerunds: Verb Patterns (Want to Go / Enjoy Going)
## Infinitives and Gerunds: Verb Patterns ### Verbs + to + infinitive - **want**: I want **to eat**. - **need**: She ne...
英语分词从句：同时做两件事 (V-ing)
### Overview 作为一名 C1 级别的英语学习者，你可能已经掌握了如何用 `and`、`but`、`because` 或 `while` 来连接句子。然而，...
