English Grammar in Use With Answers » Unit 55: Verb (+ object) + to ... (I want you to ... ect.)

  • want
  • ask
  • help
  • would like
  • expect
  • beg
  • mean (= intend)
  • would prefer

These verbs are followed by to ... (infinitive). The structure can be:
verb + to ...verb + object + to ...
We expected to be late.We expected Dan to be late.
Would you like to go now?Would you like me to go now?
He doesn't want to know.He doesn't want anybody to know.

Do not say 'want that':
  • Do you want me to come with you? (not Do you want that I come)

After help you can use the infinitive with or without to. So you can say:
  • Can you help me to move this table? or Can you help me move this table?

  • tell
  • order
  • remind
  • warn
  • force
  • invite
  • encourage
  • teach
  • enable
  • persuade
  • get(= persuade)

These verbs have the structure verb + object + to ... :
  • Can you remind me to call Sam tomorrow?
  • Who taught you to drive?
  • I didn't move the piano by myself. I got somebody to help me.
  • Joe said the switch was dangerous and warned me not to touch it.

In the next example, the verb is passive (I was warned / we were told etc.):
  • I was warned not to touch the switch.

You cannot use suggest with the structure verb + object + to ... :
  • Jane suggested that I ask your advice. (not Jane suggested me to ask)

After advise and allow, two structures are possible. Compare:

verb + -ing (without an object)verb + object + to ...
I wouldn't advise staying in that hotel.I wouldn't advise anybody to stay in that hotel.
They don't allow parking in front of the building.They don't allow people to park in front of the building.

Study these examples with (be) allowed (passive):
  • Parking isn't allowed in front of the building.
  • You aren't allowed to park in front of the building.

Make and let

These verbs have the structure verb + object + infinitive (without to):
  • I made him promise that he wouldn't tell anybody what happened. (not to promise)
  • Hot weather makes me feel tired. (= causes me to feel tired)
  • Her parents wouldn't let her go out alone. (= wouldn't allow her to go out)
  • Let me carry your bag for you.

We say 'make somebody do' (not to do), but in the passive we say 'made to do' (with to):
  • We were made to wait for two hours. (= They made us wait ... )

55.1 Complete the questions. Use do you want me to ... ? or would you like me to ... ? with these verbs (+ any other necessary words):

  • come
  • lend
  • repeat
  • show
  • shut
  • wait
  1. Do you want to go alone, or ?
  2. Do you have enough money, or do you want __________ ?
  3. Shall I leave the window open, or would you __________ ?
  4. Do you know how to use the machine, or would __________ ?
  5. Did you hear what I said, or do __________ ?
  6. Ca n I go now, or do __________ ?

55.2 Complete the sentences for these situations.


  1. She told .

  2. They invited him __________ .

  3. He reminded her __________ .

  4. She warned __________ .

  5. He asked __________ .

55.3 Complete each second sentence so that the meaning is similar to the first sentence.

  1. My father said I could use his car.
    My father allowed .
  2. I was surprised that it rained.
    I didn't expect __________ .
  3. Don't stop him doing what he wants.
    Let __________ .
  4. Tim looks older when he wears glasses.
    Tim's glasses make __________ .
  5. I think you should know the truth.
    I want __________ .
  6. At first I didn't want to apply for the job, but Sarah persuaded me.
    Sarah persuaded __________ .
  7. My lawyer said I shouldn't say anything to the police.
    My lawyer advised __________ .
  8. I was told that I shouldn't believe everything he says.
    I was warned __________ .
  9. If you've got a car, you are able to get around more easily.
    Having a car enables __________ .

55.4 Put the verb into the correct form: infinitive (do/make/eat etc.), to + infinitive, or -ing.

  1. They don't allow people in front of t he building. (park)
  2. I've never been t o Hong Kong, but I'd like __________ there. (go)
  3. I'm in a difficult position. What do you advise me __________ ? (do)
  4. The film was very sad. It made me __________ . (cry)
  5. Lisa's parents always encouraged her __________ hard at school. (study)
  6. If you want to get a cheap flight, I'd advise __________ early. (book)
  7. Sarah wouldn't let me __________ her car. She doesn't trust me. (borrow)
  8. If you enter a country with a tourist visa, you are normally not allowed __________ there. (work)
  9. 'I don't think Alex likes me.' 'What makes you __________ that?' (think)

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