Many English verbs are followed by object + infinitive, rather than by a that-clause.
Examples are: advise, allow, ask, beg, cause, command, compel, encourage, expect, forbid, force, get, hate, help, instruct, intend, invite, leave, like, love, mean, need, oblige, order, permit, prefer, recommend, remind, request, teach, tell, tempt, trouble, want, warn, wish etc.
- I don’t want him to go. (NOT I don’t want that he goes.)
- We don’t allow people to smoke in the kitchen.
- I asked him to pay for the meal.
- I advised him to stop smoking.
- He taught us to forgive.
- I requested him to help me.
- We expect them to turn up in time.
- My parents always encouraged me to explore newer horizons.
Some verbs are followed by object + infinitive without to. Examples are: let, make, see, hear, feel, watch, notice, have etc.
- Why don’t you let me go? (NOT Why don’t you let me to go?)
- I heard her sing a lovely song. (NOT I heard her to sing a lovely song.)
Note that many of the verbs listed above can also be followed by an –ing form or a that-clause.
Some verbs cannot be followed by object + infinitive. Example: suggest.
- I suggested that she should consult a doctor. (NOT I suggested her to consult a doctor.)
