The infinitive with and without to

This is an overview of the different structures with a to+infinitive (e.g. to do) and an infinitive without to (e.g. do).

A The to+infinitive

We use a to+infinitive:

1 After an adjective

It's nice to have a place of your own.

The car is really cheap to run.

2 After a noun

I must take a book to read. (a book that I can read)

We've got a few jobs to do. (jobs that we must do)

3 With be able to, be about to, be allowed to, be going to, have to, ought to and used to

We aren't allowed to park here.

The game is about to start

We're going to buy a camcorder.

You have to fill in a form.

4 After some verbs, e.g. decide, hope, manage, offer

Tom decided to leave early.

I hope to see you soon.

Did you manage to sort out the problem?

Henry offered to pay for the meal.

5 After some verbs + object

Laura persuaded Trevor to put up some shelves.

I want you to do something for me.

6 After for + object

We've arranged for you to visit our head office.

It is important for students to register with a doctor.

7 After a question word

We don't know where to leave our coats.

This book tells you how to train racehorses.

8 To say why

Mark went out to play golf.

I need the money to pay the phone bill.

B The infinitive without to

We use an infinitive without to:

1 After can, could, may, might, must, needn't, shall, should, will, and would

We could go to a nightclub.

I must speak to the manager.

It might rain later.

Sarah will be away for three days.

2 After had better and would rather

It's cold. You'd better wear a coat.

I'd rather listen to Elvis than the Beatles.

3 After make + object and let + object

That programme was funny. It really made me laugh.

Trevor will be here at five. His boss is going to let him leave work early.

4 After see or hear + an object

They saw the lights come on.

We all heard the bomb go off.

C Help

An infinitive after help can be with or without to.

Can I help (to) get the tea?

Vicky helped me (to) choose a present.