Verb + object + to+infinitive OR -ing form

A Introduction

Customer: None of the things I ordered have arrived. They're three weeks late. I expect the goods to arrive on time.

Mark: I'm sorry we've kept you waiting so long. Can I find out what the problem is and then ring you back?

Some verbs can take an object + to+infinitive form, and some take an object + -ing form form.

VERB OBJECT

I expect the goods to arrive on time.

I'm sorry we 've kept you waiting so long.

B Verb + object + to+infinitive

We asked the doorman to let us in.

Nick couldn't persuade Rita to go out with him.

The hot weather has caused ice-cream sales to increase.

It took ages to download the pictures from the Internet.

I didn't mean my suggestion to be taken seriously.

Here are some verbs we can use in this structure: advise, allow, ask, beg, cause, enable, encourage, expect, force, help.

C Want + object + to+infinitive

We can also use an object + a to+infinitive after want, (would) like, (would) love, (would) prefer and (would) hate.

Tom wants United to win.

We'd hate the house to be left empty.

We can use this structure to give an order.

I want everyone to come here. I'd like you to listen carefully.

We cannot normally use a that clause. NOT I want that everyone comes here.

D Verb + object + ing-form

Andrew is so serious. I can't imagine him having a good time.

Do you remember Laura taking our photo?

A new law has stopped traffic going into the city centre.

Here are some verbs we can use in this structure: dislike, imagine, involve, keep, mind, prevent, remember, risk, stop.

E Advise, allow, encourage and recommend

We can use these verbs with an -ing form or with an object + to + infinitive form.

+ -ING FORM

They allow fishing here.

I wouldn't recommend walking home alone.

+ OBJECT + TO+INFINITIVE

They allow people to fish here.

I wouldn't recommend you to walk home alone.

We do not use suggest + an object + a to+infinitive.

I suggested to Nick (that) he should leave, NOT I suggested Nick to leave.