Verb Patterns | Part V
The infinitive is often used after is, am, are, was and were to indicate an agreement or arrangement, to ascertain the wishes or orders of someone else, to express a complaint, protest etc.
- The Assembly is to meet on the 15th of April.
- John and Alice are to be married next month.
- Where are we going to go for our holiday?
- How long are we to wait like this?
- When am I to come again?
- Am I type all those letters?
Be + to-infinitive is also used as a mild form of command.
- Teacher says you are to learn the poem by heart.
- The scouts are to wear their uniforms for the parade.
- Father says you are not to go to the pictures tonight.
Subject + verb + object + infinitive
- Newton saw the apple fall to the ground.
- I watched the servant light the fire.
- We heard her sing a lovely song.
- They made the child drink the milk.
- We saw the criminal break open the door.
- Did you notice anyone come in?
Grammar notes
After certain verbs like bid, watch, see, let, make and hear, infinitives are used without to.
- They made me wait. (NOT They made me to wait.)
- He bade me come. (NOT He bade me to come.)
- I saw her light the lamp. (NOT I saw her to light...)
- We heard her sing a song. (NOT We heard her to sing...)
- We watched them play.
- Let him go.
Sections in this article
TensesTense rules - overview
The simple present tense
The present progressive tense
The present perfect tense
The present perfect progressive tense
Present tenses to talk about the future
The simple past tense
The past progressive tense
The past perfect tense
Correct use of the past perfect tense
The past perfect progressive tense
Past verb forms with present or future meaning
The simple future tense
The future progressive tense
The future perfect tense
Tenses in subordinate clauses
See also
Adverb clauses
Adjective clauses
Noun clauses
Transformation of sentences
See also
Common mistakes in the use of nouns
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 1
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 2
Common mistakes in the use of nouns | Exercise 3
More CBSE English Grammar worksheets
Passive voice worksheet | Simple past tensePassive voice worksheet | Past continuous tense
Passive voice worksheet | Simple future tense
Passive voice worksheet | Future perfect tense