Verbs that are always followed by the infinitive

Some verbs can take another verb as the complement instead of a noun. Sometimes the verb functioning as the complement must be in the infinitive (to+ verb) and sometimes it must be in the gerund (verb +  ing) form. The following verbs are always followed by the infinitive if the complement is a verb.

Agree     desire      hope     plan       strive         attempt       expect     intend     prepare     tend     Claim    fail      learn       pretend        want        decide       need     refuse        wish      demand     Hesitate    offer    seem

For example:

•  John expects to begin studying law next semester.
• Mary learned to swim when she was very young.
• The budget committee decided to postpone this meeting.
• The president will attempt to reduce inflation in the next four years.
• Cynthia has agreed to act as a liaison between the two countries.
• The soldiers are preparing to attack the village.

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