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.

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