016 Understanding Verbs + Object + Infinitive
Hello and welcome back to The Art of Business English. Today’s episode is the second part in a two-part series which looks at specific forms after verbs. In the first episode we looked at infinitive and gerund forms after certain verbs. In today’s episode we are going to be looking at objects and infinitive with or without “to” after specific verbs.
Mastering these verbs will make you sound much more fluent when using your English on a daily basis.
So, today we have the episode divided into two parts. First, we will look at verbs which are followed by an object and infinitive. In the later part, we will look at verbs that are followed by an object and a bare infinitive. For those of you who don’t know what a bare infinitive is, it is a verb in its infinitive form without “to” in front of it. It’s important to note that this is not the same as the imperative, even though the form looks the same.
Therefore, in today’s episode you will learn the following:
1. Verbs which are typically followed by an object and infinitive
2. Verbs which are typically followed by an object and a bare infinitive
3. Some common expressions used in everyday business English that follow these structures
Let’s just in and get started.
Verb + object + To-infinitive
Firstly, let’s be sure to clarify what I mean by an object. When we refer to an object when using this type of structure, we are referring to object pronouns. Object pronouns are different from subject pronouns. Subject pronouns are the subjects that start sentences, whereas object pronouns occur after verbs and prepositions. In English it is a little easier than in Spanish, as in Spanish we have direct and indirect object pronouns.
Let’s compare the two.
The most common mistakes occur with verbs such as need and want. Why? Well, in Spanish you would use the subjunctive form structure. It is important to note that subjunctive forms don’t exist in English. Let me demonstrate. The following structure are often translated incorrectly.
Verb + object + bare infinitive
Firstly, many verbs that are followed by an object and a bare infinitive are typically related to perception. For example, see, hear or notice. However, this is not a fixed rule and as such, some common verbs follow this structure, such as make.
Let’s review the list.
The most important take away from this episode is the need to form the correct structure with verbs such as want, need and make. We use these verbs frequently and they are often formed using incorrect structure.
Be sure to review the list on the AOBE website and take some study notes. Remember, practice makes perfect and the best way to start to internalise these structures is by using them in your written communication.
As a study suggestion, I encourage you to print the sample sentences or create some of your own, have them with you at your PC when you are writing your next email and start to use them in your writing.
That is all we have time for today, but we hope you have found this episode useful and informative. Please share or like this post as that is the best way we can reach and help more people. As always, if you have any comments or questions then don’t hesitate to contact us at theartofbusinessenglish.com or at our Facebook page.
Until next week, have a great day and I look forward to hosting you again soon. Take care now.