Self study The Infinitive

Typical constructions with infinitives

Typical constructions in which the infinitive is used are described below, with examples of use. A shorter description of such constructions (in Russian) is given in the commentary to the song Phil Collins - Another Day in Paradise in the section Hobby.

Only the most common verbs after which the infinitive is used are included in the lists of verbs in this material. Note that the verbs after which the infinitive is used may be found in more than one construction. For example: I expect to arrive tomorrow. – I expect her to arrive tomorrow. – She is expected to arrive tomorrow.

Bear in mind that some of the verbs listed in this material may be followed by infinitives or gerunds. For example: He likes to read. – He likes reading. (Examples of the use of gerunds and infinitives after certain verbs are given in Infinitive or Gerund in the section Grammar.)