Verbs Followed by Object + To-Infinitive
A structural reference is useful when it helps readers diagnose where the object belongs, which verbs license the pattern, and where superficially similar patterns differ. It therefore goes beyond a verb list by contrasting object + to-infinitive with plain to-infinitive, -ing complements, and the bare-infinitive patterns after let and make.
Many verbs can take verb + object + to-infinitive, as in “She told him to wait” or “They wanted us to stay.” Treat this as a licensed complement pattern, not a universal rule: some verbs take a to-infinitive without an object, some take -ing, and let/make use object + bare infinitive instead.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Question | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Does the governing verb license an object before the infinitive? | verb + object + to-infinitive | The object identifies who/what performs the infinitive action. |
| No object licensed in that meaning? | verb + to-infinitive or another documented complement | Do not insert an object just to fit the pattern. |
| Using active let or make? | object + bare infinitive | These common verbs are exceptions to the to-infinitive pattern. |
Quick tests
Object-role test
Does the noun/pronoun belong after the first verb and act as the understood subject of the infinitive?
If yes: Use object + to-infinitive if the governing verb licenses that pattern.
If no: Check whether the verb instead takes a plain to-infinitive, -ing form, or another complement.
Caveat: Check the exact construction and meaning before applying the rule mechanically.
Examples
She told him to call the office.
Him is the object of told and the understood subject of to call.
We want you to stay.
Want can license an object followed by a to-infinitive.
They made us wait.
Make uses object + bare infinitive, showing why the broader pattern is not universal.
Further guidance
Alternatives
Some verbs take to-infinitive without an object; others select -ing; complement choice is lexical and sometimes meaning-sensitive.
Bare Infinitive Exception
Let and make use object + bare infinitive in active clauses, so do not insert to by analogy.
Object Role
The noun or pronoun is grammatically the object of the first verb and the understood subject of the infinitive.
Pattern
Common examples include ask/tell/want/expect/allow/advise + object + to-infinitive in appropriate meanings.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -ing? (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Verb complement patterns including object + infinitive and bare-infinitive exceptions.
- Verbs followed by the infinitive (opens in a new tab)British Council LearnEnglish · Contrasts verb + to-infinitive, verb + noun + to-infinitive, and make/let + noun + bare infinitive.