Verb + Object + Infinitive Patterns: correct answers
Jump to answers ↓Understanding Verb + Object + Infinitive Structures
In English, many verbs follow a specific pattern where they take a direct object followed by an infinitive (to + verb). This construction allows us to express actions we want, expect, or cause others to perform. Common verbs that follow this pattern include want, ask, tell, expect, allow, encourage, remind, persuade, advise, and force.
For example: "She asked him to help with the project" or "The teacher encouraged the students to participate in the discussion." Notice how the object (him, the students) comes between the main verb and the infinitive. This is different from verbs that take only an infinitive without an object, such as "She decided to leave."
Some verbs can work both ways, with or without an object, but the meaning may change. Compare "I want to go" (no object) with "I want you to go" (with object). Additionally, certain verbs like let and make are followed by an object and a bare infinitive (without "to"): "She made him apologize" rather than "made him to apologize."
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Correct answers
Question 1
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
Your friend is struggling with heavy grocery bags. You offer to help, but they want you to grab something specific first.
She asked me ___ the door for her.
The correct answer is to open.
The pattern is ask + object + to-infinitive: She asked me to open the door.
Question 2
Complete the text message in this conversation.
You're meeting friends at the cinema, but you're always late. Your best friend sends you a text:
"I want you ___ on time tonight!"
The correct answer is to arrive.
The pattern is want + object + to-infinitive: I want you to arrive on time.
Question 3
Help Mom give her safety advice correctly!
It was raining outside, and the floor was slippery. My mom gave me some safety advice before I left. Which sentence correctly expresses what she said?
The correct answer is She told me to be careful on the wet floor.
The pattern is tell + object + to-infinitive. Missing to after told + object is a common mistake → told me to be is correct.
Question 4
Complete the manager's instruction to the team.
Your team leader is assigning tasks for a project. She needs someone to finish the report by Friday.
The manager wants him ___ the report before the weekend.
The correct answer is to finish.
After want + object, we use the to-infinitive (not the bare verb): wants him to finish.
Question 5
Complete the father's instruction in this family scene.
Your little brother keeps playing video games instead of doing homework. Your dad steps in with clear instructions.
Dad told him ___ his homework first.
The correct answer is to do.
The pattern is tell + object + to-infinitive: Dad told him to do his homework. The to is required after the object.
Question 6
The correct answers are She asked the team to submit their reports by Friday and The manager wants us to attend the meeting.
"Told them finish" is missing to after the object; it should be "told them to finish." "Asked that I to call" incorrectly mixes two structures; it should be "asked me to call" (verb + object + to-infinitive).
Question 7
Choose the correct words to complete the sentence.
Your friend is running late for the bus. You're already on board.
I asked him to come quickly before the doors closed.
The correct answer is him and to come.
The pattern is ask + object + to-infinitive. We need an object pronoun (him) after asked, then to + base verb (to come) to complete the request.
Question 8
Help complete the manager's instructions to a new employee.
Your boss needs you at the office early tomorrow for an important meeting.
She wants you to arrive by 8 a.m. sharp.
The correct answer is me and to arrive.
The pattern is want + object + to-infinitive. After wants, we need an object pronoun (me), followed by to + base verb (to arrive).
Question 9
Help fix this rushed morning message. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
We were leaving the house in a hurry. She told me be careful on the stairs.
She told me to be careful on the stairs.
The correct answer is to be.
The original sentence is missing to after told + object. The correct pattern is tell + object + to-infinitive: told me to be careful.
Question 10
Choose the correct words to complete the sentence.
Your roommate forgot to lock the door again. Time for a friendly reminder!
I told her to lock the door before leaving.
The correct answer is her and to lock.
The pattern is tell + object + to-infinitive. We need an object pronoun (her) after told, then to + base verb (to lock) to complete the instruction.
Question 11
Choose the correct words to complete the sentence.
Your little sister needs help with her homework, and you're the expert!
Mom asked me to help her with math tonight.
The correct answer is me and to help.
The pattern is ask + object + to-infinitive. After asked, we need the object pronoun me (not I or my), followed by to + base verb (to help). The bare verb help without to is incorrect here.