After the following phrases we use the infinitive with TO in English:
1. After THE FIRST, THE LAST, THE NEXT:
Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon.
I was the last to hear the news.
Sarah will be the next to be served.
2. After ADJECTIVES:
She’s delighted to meet you.
It’s very important not to forget the meeting.
3. After CERTAIN VERBS:
| INFINITIVE WITH TO | INFINITIVE WITH TO |
|---|---|
| AFFORD | LEARN |
| AGREE | MANAGE |
| AIM | OFFER |
| ARRANGE | PLAN |
| ATTEMPT | PROMISE |
| CHOOSE | REFUSE |
| CLAIM | REMEMBER |
| DECIDE | START |
| DESERVE | THREATEN |
| FAIL | TRY |
| FORGET | WANT |
| HOPE | WISH |
4. After QUESTION WORDS:
Can you tell me how to get to the nearest post office, please?
He didn't know what to answer.
5. After WANT, WOULD LIKE:
I would like to go on holiday in the north of Wales.
6. After VERB + OBJECT + TO INFINITIVE:
My colleague helped me to check the boarding cards.
Be Careful: GERUND AND INFINITIVE WITH A DIFFERENCE IN MEANING.
Some verbs have a different meaning when used with Gerund or Infinitive.
* REMEMBER
I remember switching off the television.
When "remember" is used with a gerund, it means "to remember that you have done something." The sentence above means that I remember the fact that I did that.
Remember to switch off the lights.
When "remember" is used with an infinitive, it means "to remember that you need to do something." The sentence above means that he remembered that he needed to switch the lights off.
* STOP
He stopped drinking.
"Stop" is normally used with a gerund.
He stopped to drink.
When "stop" is used with an infinitive, the infinitive takes on the meaning of "in order to." In the sentence above, he stopped in order to drink because he was probably thirsty.