How the Pattern Works

When you want someone else to do an action, English often uses a specific three-part chain: Verb + Object + To Infinitive.

Think of it as a bridge between two people and an action. The main verb shows the intention (wanting, asking, telling), the object is the person or thing receiving the message, and the "to infinitive" is the action they need to take.

✅ The captain ordered the crew to clean the ship. ❌ The captain ordered the crew clean the ship.

This pattern is incredibly common in everyday English. You will use it for:

• Giving orders and instructions: tell, order, command, require
• Giving advice and warnings: advise, warn, remind
• Asking and inviting: ask, invite, beg, encourage
• Expressing desires: want, expect, would like

Handling Negative Sentences

When you need to tell someone not to do something, the placement of the negative word is a major stumbling block for learners. The word not must go immediately before the "to infinitive". You cannot use "don't" in the second half of the sentence, because the second verb is an infinitive, not a conjugated verb.

✅ She warned the mechanic not to touch the red button. ❌ She warned the mechanic don't touch the red button. ❌ She warned the mechanic to not touch the red button. (Note: While you might hear native speakers "split" the infinitive in casual speech, "not to touch" is the standard, grammatically correct form you need for exams and formal writing).

The "Want That" Trap

A frequent mistake for B1-B2 learners—especially those whose native languages use subjunctive clauses—is putting a "that" clause after the verb want. In English, want followed by a person must use the "to infinitive" pattern.

✅ I want you to wash the dishes today. ❌ I want that you wash the dishes today.

Similarly, verbs like would like and expect follow this exact same rule: ✅ We expect the magic fairy to clean the house. ❌ We expect that the magic fairy cleans the house.

Exceptions: Verbs That Break the Rule

While most verbs of commanding and requesting use the "to infinitive", there are two highly common exceptions you must memorize: make and let.

When you force someone to do something (make) or give them permission to do it (let), you drop the "to" completely. This is called the bare infinitive.

✅ The billionaire made his friends explore the haunted mansion. ❌ The billionaire made his friends to explore the haunted mansion.

✅ The counselors let the birds rest after lunch. ❌ The counselors let the birds to rest after lunch.

A helpful tip: The verb help is uniquely flexible. You can use it with or without "to", and both are perfectly correct (e.g., "Help me carry this" or "Help me to carry this"). However, for verbs like tell, ask, order, persuade, and want, the "to" is strictly required!