Leaving out TO+INFINITIVES Flashcards
We can use TO instead of repeating a clause starting with TO+INFINITIVE.
When we use the verb BE in the main sentence, we repeat TO+BE.
I wanted to come with you, but I won’t be able to. (to come with you).
I might have been better if Rosa had asked for my help, but she chose not to.
Leon was frighted or he just pretended to be.
After nouns and verbs, we can leave the TO+INFINITIVE out or use TO:
Nouns: Plans, willing, chance, idea, opportunity, promise, suggestion, afraid, delighted, determined.
Verbs: promised, forgot, agree, ask, begin, refuse, start, try.
After some verbs that need a complement, we don’t leave out the TO.
Mean to, advise to, afford to, be able to, choose to, deserve to, expect to, fail to, hate to, hope to, intend to, love to, need to, prefer to.
I’m not going to write another book, at least I don’t have any plans.
I admit that I took her watch, but I didn’t mean to.
In IF clause or WH clauses, we can leave out TO or use TO. Other clauses, include TO.
We include To in negative sentences.
You are welcome to dance if you like (to).
I was planning to see you tomorrow, and I would still like to.
Should we visit Laura? I don’t really want to.
