Lesson

Verb + to... (decide to, forget to)

Verbs + infinitive

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + to-infinitive (decide to, forget to)

Some English verbs are followed by the to-infinitive (to + base verb). This structure often expresses decisions, intentions, plans, obligations, or actions that were completed or not completed.

  • Use verb + to + base verb after verbs like decide, plan, hope, expect, forget, remember, agree, refuse, manage.
  • The to-infinitive can show purpose: 'She stopped by to sign the contract.'
  • Some verbs change meaning with a gerund instead of the to-infinitive (see examples).

Table

Common verbs followed by to + infinitive

Verb + to Meaning Example
decide to make a choice We decided to postpone the meeting.
plan to intend to do something I plan to finish the report by Friday.
hope to wish or expect She hopes to secure the contract next month.
agree to consent or accept They agreed to the new terms.
refuse to decline to do something He refused to sign the document.
expect to anticipate We expect to receive the shipment tomorrow.
manage to succeed in doing something The team managed to solve the issue before the deadline.
forget to fail to remember to do something She forgot to send the invoice.
remember to not forget to do something Please remember to attach the file.
learn to acquire a new skill He learned to use the new software quickly.

Tip

Key rule: Use to + base verb after these verbs

When a verb requires the to-infinitive, place to + base verb immediately after the verb:

  • Correct: She decided to accept the offer.
  • Correct: They expected to complete the project on time.
  • Negative/Question: Use do/does/did for questions and negatives with main verbs, not to (e.g., Did you decide to join?).

Remember: some verbs take the gerund (verb+ing) instead — meaning can change.

Example

Examples in context

We decided to postpone the meeting until Monday.

I forgot to send the revised contract to the client.

The manager agreed to review the quarterly figures tomorrow.

They managed to resolve the billing issue before the audit.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors with the to-infinitive. Watch for these:

  • Using the gerund instead of the to-infinitive with verbs that require to (Wrong: She decided going → Correct: She decided to go).
  • Omitting to after verbs that require it (Wrong: I agreed sign → Correct: I agreed to sign).
  • Confusing verbs that change meaning with gerund vs infinitive (e.g., forget to vs forget + -ing).
  • Placing the to-infinitive too far from the main verb, which can sound awkward or change meaning.

If unsure, check a reliable list of verbs + infinitive vs verb+ing.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about which form follows 'decide' in English.

Quiz

Complete: He _____ to bring the contracts to the meeting.

Hint: Think about a past action that was not completed because of not remembering

Quiz

Which sentence is correct?

Hint: Focus on how to express failing to remember an action.

Key Points

Vocabulary

decide

verb CEFR B1 //dɪˈsaɪd//

to make a choice or judgment

We decided to hire an external consultant.

GrammarPoint

forget to

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //fəˈɡɒt tuː//

to fail to remember to do something (use with to-infinitive)

She forgot to confirm the appointment.

GrammarPoint

remember to

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //rɪˈmɛmbər tuː//

to not forget to do something; to keep something in mind (use with to-infinitive)

Remember to sign the contract before you leave.

Expression

plan to

expression CEFR B1 //plæn tuː//

to intend or prepare to do something (use with to-infinitive)

I plan to submit the proposal on Monday.

GrammarPoint

agree to

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //əˈɡriː tuː//

to give consent or approval to do something (use with to-infinitive)

The board agreed to implement the new policy next quarter.

GrammarPoint

manage to

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //ˈmænɪdʒ tuː//

to succeed in doing something, especially something difficult (use with to-infinitive)

They managed to fix the server before business hours.

Vocabulary

refuse to

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //rɪˈfjuːz tuː//

to decline to do something; to say no (use with to-infinitive)

The supplier refused to accept the revised terms.