Verb Structures in English with the Verb in the Infinitive + Verb in the Infinitive with "To": Forming Logical Concepts in English

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Verb Structures in English: Infinitive + Infinitive with "To" and Forming Logical Concepts

In English, verb structures can often seem complicated due to the nuances of how verbs interact with one another. One particular structure that plays a significant role in sentence construction is the pairing of a verb in the infinitive form with another verb in the infinitive form preceded by "to." Understanding this structure is crucial for expressing intentions, desires, future actions, or general statements in both everyday and formal contexts.

Infinitive + Infinitive with "To"

The infinitive is the base form of a verb, such as "to eat," "to go," or "to be," and when it follows certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns, it often retains the infinitive form. In this structure, one verb is typically used in the base form, while the second verb follows the "to" infinitive form.

Examples in English:

1. She wants to travel to Brazil.
   (Ela quer viajar para o Brasil.)

   • In this example, "wants" is a verb that is followed by the infinitive verb "to travel." This combination expresses a desire or intention.

2. I need to study for the test.
   (Eu preciso estudar para a prova.)

   • Here, "need" is followed by "to study," which indicates a necessity or requirement to perform the action of studying.

3. They decided to leave early.
   (Eles decidiram sair cedo.)

   • "Decided" is followed by "to leave," expressing a choice made by the subject.

4. He promised to help me with the project.
   (Ele prometeu me ajudar com o projeto.)

   • The verb "promised" is followed by "to help," showing a commitment to take action in the future.

Verbs That Commonly Follow the Structure of Infinitive + Infinitive with "To"

Certain verbs in English are almost always followed by another verb in the infinitive form (with "to"). These include:

• Want
  She wants to learn English.
  (Ela quer aprender inglês.)

• Need
  I need to buy groceries.
  (Eu preciso comprar mantimentos.)

• Decide
  They decided to visit the museum.
  (Eles decidiram visitar o museu.)

• Hope
  I hope to finish the book by tomorrow.
  (Eu espero terminar o livro até amanhã.)

• Plan
  We plan to go on vacation next month.
  (Nós planejamos viajar no próximo mês.)

• Promise
  He promised to help with the wedding preparations.
  (Ele prometeu ajudar com os preparativos do casamento.)

• Agree
  They agreed to meet at 7 PM.
  (Eles concordaram em se encontrar às 19h.)

• Expect
  I expect to hear from him soon.
  (Eu espero ouvir dele em breve.)

• Try
  I will try to complete the project by Friday.
  (Eu vou tentar completar o projeto até sexta-feira.)

• Begin
  She began to speak more confidently.
  (Ela começou a falar com mais confiança.)

The Logical Concept: Expressing Purpose, Desire, or Intention

This structure helps express several key logical concepts, particularly those related to purpose, intention, necessity, or expectation. In this sense, the combination of verbs helps form the backbone of logical reasoning in communication.

1. Purpose or Intention:
   The "to" infinitive is used to indicate why an action is taking place or what the purpose of the action is.

   • Example:
     She went to the store to buy some milk.
     (Ela foi à loja para comprar leite.)
     Here, the phrase "to buy" explains the purpose of her going to the store.

2. Desire or Wish:
   The infinitive with "to" is often used after verbs of desire to express what the speaker hopes or wishes to happen.

   • Example:
     I wish to become a doctor.
     (Eu desejo me tornar um médico.)
     In this case, "wish" expresses a strong desire for the future action of becoming a doctor.

3. Necessity or Obligation:
   Verbs like "need" or "have to" followed by an infinitive describe a necessity or obligation.

   • Example:
     She needs to finish the report by tomorrow.
     (Ela precisa terminar o relatório até amanhã.)
     The necessity to complete the report is conveyed by the structure.

4. Choice or Decision:
   When verbs like "decide" or "choose" are followed by the infinitive form, they express a decision or conscious choice made by the subject.

   • Example:
     They decided to move to a new city.
     (Eles decidiram se mudar para uma nova cidade.)
     The verb "decided" indicates that a decision has been made to perform the action of moving.

5. Expectation or Anticipation:
   Verbs such as "expect" or "anticipate" are often followed by an infinitive to express what is hoped for or predicted.

   • Example:
     I expect to see her at the party.
     (Eu espero vê-la na festa.)
     "Expect" indicates the speaker anticipates the action of seeing her will occur.

Using "To" after Certain Adjectives or Nouns

In addition to verbs, certain adjectives and nouns can also require the infinitive form with "to" to complete their meaning.

• Adjective + Infinitive (with "to"):

  • It's important to arrive early.
    (É importante chegar cedo.)
  • She is happy to help you.
    (Ela está feliz em te ajudar.)

• Noun + Infinitive (with "to"):

  • He has a desire to learn new languages.
    (Ele tem o desejo de aprender novas línguas.)
  • She has the ability to succeed.
    (Ela tem a capacidade de ter sucesso.)

Additional Examples with Translations

1. I would like to visit Paris someday.
   (Eu gostaria de visitar Paris algum dia.)

2. We agreed to start the project next week.
   (Nós concordamos em começar o projeto na próxima semana.)

3. She tried to call you, but you didn't answer.
   (Ela tentou te ligar, mas você não atendeu.)

4. They promised to send the documents by the end of the day.
   (Eles prometeram enviar os documentos até o final do dia.)

5. He offered to help with the cooking.
   (Ele se ofereceu para ajudar com a cozinha.)

Conclusion

The combination of verbs in the infinitive form and the structure involving the verb + "to" is crucial for forming logical concepts in English. These concepts express intention, necessity, choice, desire, and more. By understanding the role of infinitive verbs, learners of English can improve their ability to communicate effectively and clearly in a variety of contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions.

Bibliographic References 

Eastwood, John. Oxford Guide to English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 2002.

This book provides detailed explanations of English grammar, including verb forms, structures, and the use of the infinitive with "to" to express various meanings like intention, necessity, and choice.

Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press, 2016. A comprehensive guide that covers many aspects of English grammar, including how infinitives and verb combinations work in English to express logical relationships such as purpose, necessity, and expectation.

Azar, Betty Schrampfer. Understanding and Using English Grammar. Pearson Education, 2016.

This grammar book is widely used by learners and teachers alike. It provides in-depth explanations of English verb structures, including the use of the infinitive with "to" and how it forms logical concepts in sentences.

Thomson, A.J., and A.V. Martinet. A Practical English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 2017.

This reference book offers clear explanations and examples of verb structures in English, including the infinitive and how it is used after certain verbs to form logical statements or express desires, purposes, and needs.

Celce-Murcia, Marianne, and Diane Larsen-Freeman. The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course. Heinle & Heinle, 1999. 

This book offers insights into how English grammar works, with sections dedicated to verb structures like the infinitive and its role in forming logical relations within sentences.

Biber, Douglas, Stig Johansson, Geoffrey Leech, Susan Conrad, and Edward Finegan. Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Pearson Education, 1999.

This reference work covers both spoken and written English grammar, detailing the use of infinitives and verb structures, including the patterns of verb + infinitive with "to" and how they function in real-life communication.

Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press, 2019.

One of the most popular grammar books for English learners, Murphy's work explains many verb structures, including infinitives with "to," and how these structures can express logical concepts like intention, purpose, and necessity.

Parrott, Martin.

Grammar for English Language Teachers. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

This book offers practical explanations for English language teachers, including detailed chapters on verb structures and how infinitives with "to" are used to communicate different ideas in English.