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Teacher cue
B2 · English Grammar

Verb + Object
+ Infinitive

We encourage visitors to stay here — but we ask them not to arrive late.

who does the action? reporting requests
The idea

Who does the action?

Put an object between the verb and the infinitive and you change the person who performs the second action.

Examples

I want to go. → I go.

I want you to go. → you go.

The structure

verb + object

+ to + base verb

The object comes first, and it is never introduced by to.

The verb list

Which verbs do this?

influencing
advise · encourage · persuade · force · get

She persuaded me to apply.

permitting
allow · permit

They don't allow guests to park here.

requesting
ask · tell · invite · warn

He asked us to wait outside.

wanting
want · would like · expect · need

I need you to sign this form.

Exception: make and let take a bare infinitive — They made him leave.

Negatives

Two negatives, two meanings

verb + object + not to = the request is negative  ·  negative verb + object + to = the expectation is negative

We ask them not to contact us by phone.  don't phone
We don't expect everyone to like all our ideas.  no such expectation
I didn't tell her to come. ≠ I told her not to come.
In use

Reporting what people said

"Check in two hours early."  →  The agent advised me to check in early.
"Don't walk on the grass!"  →  The gardener told Elizabeth not to walk on it.
"Would you like to come?"  →  Jane invited Nelly to go with her.
"You mustn't stay 90 days."  →  The official warned Edwin not to stay longer.
⚠ Watch out

Common mistakes

The gardener told to Elizabeth to stop.

Correct: told Elizabeth to stop.

Her father wants that she studies medicine.

Correct: wants her to study medicine.

She asked him don't call her again.

Correct: asked him not to call her again.

My teacher suggested me to take the course.

Correct: suggested that I take the course.

Now it's your turn

Let's
practice.

Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.

Practice 1
tap the blank to reveal

Fill the gap

The travel agent advised me (check) in two hours early.
The official warned Edwin (not stay) more than 90 days.
The receptionist asked (they + sign) the form.
The gardener told Elizabeth (not walk) on the grass.
Jane invited (Nelly + go) on vacation with her.
Practice 2
tap a sentence to reveal the error

Spot the mistake

She persuadedA her brother to applyB and convinced him applyingC for the scholarship as wellD.

Cand convinced him applying → and convinced him to apply

✓ convince somebody to do something

My parents wants me toA study law, butB I would preferC toD work in design.

AMy parents wants me to → My parents want me to

✓ my parents is plural → want

They expectedA him to acceptB the offer, butC he made them to waitD three weeks.

Dmade them to wait → made them wait

✓ make somebody do — no to

Practice 3
tap to reveal a model answer

Complete the sentence

Before the exam, our teacher advised
The sign at the entrance asks visitors
My parents have always encouraged
We don't expect
Speak & write

Your turn

Use verb + object + infinitive in every answer.

What's the best advice anyone has given you? (advised)
Name one rule where you live or work. (allow / not to)
What has somebody warned you about recently? (warned)
What does your family expect you to do this year? (expect)
Recap

Remember this

The pattern
verb + object + to + base verb
The object
the person who does the action
Negative action
asked them not to call
Negative verb
didn't expect them to call

Never "told to me" — and never "want that you go".

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