oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

PAGE 151 122 Verb + object + to-infinitive
c
d
We use dread + to-infinitive mainly in the expression I dread to think/imagine...
We use a gerund for something that causes fear.
I dread to think what might happen to you all alone in a big city.
I always dreaded being kissed by my aunts.
Try + to-infinitive means 'attempt to do' and try + gerund means 'do something
which might solve the problem'.
I'm trying to light a fire, but this wood won't burn. ~
Why don't you try pouring some petrol on it?
NOTE
In informal English we can use try and instead of try to.
Let's try and move the cupboard away from the wall.
e
f
After stop we often use the to-infinitive of purpose. But stop + gerund means to end
an action.
At the next services he stopped to buy a newspaper.
You'd better stop dreaming and get on with some work.
Mean + to-infinitive has the sense of 'intend'. But mean + gerund expresses result,
what is involved in something.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to step on your foot.
I have to be at the airport by nine. It means getting up early.
g Go on + to-infinitive means to do something different, to do the next thing. Go on +
ing-form means to continue doing something.
After receiving the award, the actor went on to thank all the people who had
helped him in his career.
The band went on playing even after everyone had left.
h
We usually use need, want and deserve with a to-infinitive.
We need to leave at eight. Tony wants to borrow your typewriter.
A gerund after these verbs has a passive meaning. • 113(1)
The typewriter needs/wants cleaning.
122 Verb + object + to-infinitive
1 Some verbs can take an object and a to-infinitive.
I expected Dave to meet me at the airport.
Your landlady wants you to post these letters.
We asked the teacher not to give us any homework.
Here Dave is the object of the verb expected. It also functions as the subject of to
meet. Compare these sentences.
I expected Dave to meet me.
I expected (that) Dave would meet me.
NOTE
a Compare the infinitive without a subject.
I expected to see Dave. (= I expected (that) I would see Dave.)
b We can often use a passive infinitive.
I expected to be met. (= I expected (that) I would be met.)
c Sometimes the main clause in this pattern can be passive.
Dave was expected to meet me.
d For the pattern with for, e.g. I waited for Dave to ring, • 126.