verb + to + base verbThe first verb chooses the pattern. After to, use the base form of the next verb.
Verb + To-Infinitive
A2After many verbs, use to + base verb: want to go, hope to see, decide to stay. After to, the next verb stays in its base form.
What you'll learn
- Use to + verb after common verbs like want, hope, decide, and plan.
- Keep the verb in base form after to.
- Recognize this pattern for wishes, plans, and decisions about a later action.
- Spot common verbs that are followed by to + verb.
Structure
Build a sentence
First verb
Next verb
wanttogo
I want to go now.
After want, use to + base verb.
When to use
Wants and hopes
Use it for things people want or hope to do later. Anna wants to travel. Tom hopes to see Lisa next week.
Decisions and plans
Use it after verbs of choice and planning. We decided to stay home. Maria plans to start a new course.
Need and try
Use it for necessary actions and efforts. I need to call my boss. David tried to open the window.
Markers
wanthopedecideneedplantry
Spelling
after to
→ use base verb, not -sto go, not to goesafter to
→ use base verb, not -edto stay, not to stayedafter to
→ use base verb, not -ingto call, not to callingCommon mistakes
Wrong
I want buy a new laptop.
Correct
I want to buy a new laptop.
After want, use to before the next verb.
Wrong
Anna hopes seeing Tom tomorrow.
Correct
Anna hopes to see Tom tomorrow.
Hope is followed by to + base verb here, not by -ing.
Wrong
Maria wants to goes home.
Correct
Maria wants to go home.
After to, the verb stays in the base form.
Wrong
We decided to stayed longer.
Correct
We decided to stay longer.
Do not use a past form after to. Use the base verb.
Wrong
Tom needs to calling Lisa.
Correct
Tom needs to call Lisa.
After to, do not use -ing in this pattern.
Common misconceptions
❝ I can drop to if the meaning is clear. ❞
With verbs like want, hope, decide, and plan, to is part of the pattern and must stay.
❝ Any verb form can come after to. ❞
After to in this pattern, use the base verb only: to go, to see, to stay.
Skills in this rule (4)
USE_TO_AFTER_COMMON_VERBSw5Use to + verb after common verbs like want, hope, and decide
After verbs such as want, hope, decide, need, plan, and try, use to before the next verb. The second verb stays in its base form.
KEEP_BASE_VERB_AFTER_TOw5Keep the verb in base form after to
After to, use the base verb: to go, to see, to stay. Do not add -s, -ed, or -ing after to.
RECOGNIZE_MEANING_FUTURE_PLAN_OR_WISHw3Recognize verb + to-infinitive for wishes, plans, and decisions
This pattern often points forward: something a person wants, hopes, plans, or decides to do. It is common when the action has not happened yet.
SPOT_COMMON_TRIGGER_VERBSw4Recognize common verbs that are followed by to + verb
Common triggers include want, hope, decide, need, plan, and try. Learn them as fixed patterns: want to go, decide to stay.