Verb + noun or pronoun + infinitive

Marked infinitive (with to)

With certain verbs in the active voice, a noun or pronoun must come between the verb and the infinitive that follows it. The noun or pronoun usually names a person who is affected by the action.

advise

convince

order

tell

allow

encourage

persuade

urge

cause

have (“own”)

remind

warn

command

instruct

require

Example sentence: The class encouraged Luis to tell the story of his escape. Explanation: The verb is “encouraged.” The noun between the verb and the infinitive is “Luis.” The infinitive is “to tell.”

Example sentence: The counselor advised Haley to take four courses instead of five.

Example sentence: Professor Howlett instructed us to write our names on the left side of the paper.

Some verbs may be followed either by an infinitive alone or by a noun or pronoun plus an infinitive:

ask

help

promise

would like

expect

need

want

Example sentence: We asked to speak to the congregation. Example sentence: We asked Rabbi Abrams to speak to our congregation.

Example sentence: Alex expected to get the lead in the play. Example sentence: Ira expected Alex to get the lead in the play.

Unmarked infinitive (without to)

An unmarked infinitive is an infinitive without to. A few verbs (often called causative verbs) may be followed by a noun or pronoun and an unmarked infinitive.

have (“cause”)

help

let (“allow”)

make (“force”)

Example sentence: Jorge had the valet park his car.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Please let me to pay for the tickets. Revised sentence: Please let me pay for the tickets. Explanation: The word “to” in the infinitive “to pay” has been deleted.

NOTE: Help can be followed by a noun or pronoun and either an unmarked or a marked infinitive:

Example sentence: Emma helped Brian wash the dishes. Example sentence: Emma helped Brian to wash the dishes.

Exercise: Verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives 1

Exercise: Verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives 2

active voice A verb is in the active voice when its subject performs the action: Joan caught a butterfly.