Use of the particle to in English. Verbs to be and to do in English: features of use

What does the particle to mean before verbs? Do you know the answer to this question?

Most people learning English don't even think about it. That's why they make mistakes by using this particle before each verb. When should it be used?

In this article I will answer this question and explain to you when you need to put to before verbs and when not.

What does the particle to mean and when is it used?

Particle to in English language we use it before the initial (indefinite) form of the verb. The initial form of a verb is a form that does not tell us who will perform the actions and when.

Verbs indeterminate form answer the question “what to do?” and “what to do?” For example:

(what to do?) to write - write;
(what to do?) to see - to see.

In English we call the infinitive form of a verb infinitive.

How do we understand that we have an infinitive?

In Russian, we understand that we have a verb in the indefinite form at the end TH: skaz t, rice t, call t. In English, the endings of words do not change.

And here it comes to our aid particle to, which serves precisely as an indicator, which in Russian is the ending TH. That is, if we see a particle to before a verb, we can safely say that this verb is in the indefinite form: to say, to paint to call.

If you look at the particle to and pronounce it, you will see that it is VERY similar to Russian TH, but only at the beginning of a sentence.

I want to call my sister.
I want (what to do?) call t to my sister.

I forgot to give him his book.
I forgot (what to do?) yes t him his book.

I will go to swim tomorrow.
I'll go (what to do?) swim t Tomorrow.

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When do we not put the particle to before infinitive verbs?

There are exceptions to every rule. Let's look at them:

1. When a verb is preceded in an indefinite form by a verb that expresses not an action, but a possibility, necessity, ability.

In English we call such verbs modal: can (can), may (I can), must (must), need(necessary), should(should). After them we do not use the particle to.

I can run fast.
I can run fast.

You must tell me the truth.
You must tell me the truth.

He should be more careful.
He should be more careful.

True, there are several modal verbs that must be used with the particle to: have to (need), oughtto(should).

They have to work hard.
They have to work hard.

She ought to help me.
She must help me.

2. After the verb let (give, let).

Let's me know how you are.
Let me know how you are.

Let's him say.
Let him speak.

3. After the verb make if we use it meaning "to force".

You make I think about it.
He made me think about it.

He makes me smile.
He makes me smile.

4. If in one sentence there are two verbs in the indefinite form and between them there is and or or (or), then we do not put the particle to before the second verb.

I want to sing and dance.
I want to sing and dance.

I don't know to cry or laugh.
I don't know whether to cry or laugh.

The difference between the particle to and the preposition to in English

It is very important not to confuse particle to With preposition to. Even though they sound and spell the same, they are actually two different words.

Particle to we use with the verb in initial form.

Preposition to we use with nouns. To this preposition we can ask the question “Where?” Let's look at a few examples.

Particle to

I like (what to do?) to read interesting books.
I like (what to do?) cheat t interesting books.

I want to meet my friends.
I want (what to do?) meet t with my friends.

Preposition to

I go (where?) to the cinema today.
I'll go (where?) V cinema today.

Every day I go to my work.
Every day I go (where?) on work.

Together now

I want (what to do?) to drink the water so I go (where?) to the kitchen.

I want (what to do?) bittern t water, so I went (where?) on kitchen.

When asking a question, we can easily determine whether it is a particle or a preposition.

Summarize

1. We put the particle to before verbs in the initial form (infinitive).

2. There are exceptions when we do not use a particle: after modal verbs (see above), after the verbs let and make, when in a sentence 2 verbs are connected by the preposition and/or (see above).

3. The particle to is used with verbs, and the preposition to is used with nouns. These are different words.

4. How to check whether the to particle should be used or not? To do this, we ask the question “what to do?”, “what to do?”. If these questions sound logical, then we put to before the verb.

Think about it.
(Do what?) Think about it.

I want to think about it.
I want to (do what?) think about it.

I hope now you won’t be confused about where you need to put the to particle and where you shouldn’t. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments below the article.

Reinforcement task

Now let's check how well you understand where the to particle should be placed and where not. Put the verb in brackets into the correct form. Don't forget about exceptions.

For example: “She will go (play) tennis. - She will go to play tennis."

1. My sister can (run) fast.
2. (Look) at this picture.
3. I want (cook) dinner.
4. Let him (help) you.
5. My friend forgot (call) me.
6. She decided (sell) her car.
7. He made me (buy) it.
8. You may (sit down) here.
9. I can (bring) your book.
10. We like (eat) sweets.
11. They should (write) it.
12. She wanted (drink) and (eat).

As always, write your answers in the comments. I'll definitely check them out.

The infinitive is usually used with the particle to, which is its grammatical feature. However, the particle to is sometimes omitted, and the infinitive is used without it:

1. After auxiliary and modal verbs: can, could, must, may, might, will, shall, would, should (and their negative forms cannot= can’t, must not= mustn’t, etc.).

She can dance. - She can dance.
I must see you at once. - I need to meet with you now (immediately).
He might help me. - He could help me.

After need and dare if they are used as modal:
You don't need to go there. - You don't need to go there.
How dare you ask me? - How dare you ask me?

Exception: After ought (to) and have (to), be (to) as a modal infinitive is used with the particle to:
He ought to answer you. - He should answer you.
I had to send him money. - I should have sent him money.
We are to see her tonight. - We have to see her this evening.

2. After the expressions had better - it would be better (would), would rather - I prefer; better be:
You had (=You’d) better help her. - You'd better help her.
I would (=I’d) rather go by train. - I prefer to go by train.

3. In the objective infinitive phrase (complex object) after verbs:
a) expressing perception using the senses: to feel, to hear, to notice, to see, etc.:
I felt my pulse quicken. - I felt my pulse quicken.
She heard the clock strike eight. - She heard the clock strike eight.
I saw him jump. - I saw him jump.

But if these verbs are used in the passive voice, then the infinitive is used with to:
She was seen to go to the institute. - We saw how she went to college.

b) After the verbs: to make in the meaning - to force, force and to let - to allow, allow:
He made me help him. - He forced me to help him.
What makes you think so? -What makes you think that?
He let me take his book. - He allowed me to take his book.
We let him do it. - We allowed him to do this.

But if these verbs are used in the passive voice, then the infinitive is used with to:
She was made to repeat the story. - She was forced to repeat (her) story.

V) After the verb to help - to help the to particle can either be used or not – both options are acceptable. The option without to is more common in informal communication:
He helped me do the exercise. - He helped me do the exercise.
Could you help me (to) unload the car? - Could you help me unload the car?

Note 1: After why, with which the question begins. This is a rare type of one-part sentence, where of the two main members of the sentence (subject and predicate) there is only one - the predicate, represented by the infinitive.
Why not go there right away? - Why not go there now?
Why not take a holiday? - Why not take a vacation?
Why worry? - Why worry?

Note 2: If there are two infinitives in a sentence, united by the conjunction and or or, then the particle to is used only before the first infinitive:
I want to come and see your new house. - I want to come (and) see your new house.
She decided to go and buy something for supper. - She decided to go and buy something for dinner.

Note 3: At the end of a sentence, the particle to is sometimes used without an infinitive to avoid repeating the same verb in the same sentence, and also if the meaning of the infinitive is clear from the context:
He wants me to go there but I don’t want to (go). - He wants me to go there, but I don’t want (to go).
Why didn't you come? You promised to (come). - Why didn't you come? You promised (to come).
Come and see us. - I'd love to. (come, see) - Come visit us. - With pleasure. (I'll come in)

The infinitive in English is one of the most important verb forms that can serve many different functions. In Russian there is only one form for the infinitive, while in English there are six of them: four in active voice, two - in passive. Beginners, as a rule, make do with the simplest of them, while professionals and simply advanced students happily master the more complex ones, using them in sentences with more intricate meanings.

This article, starting with the simplest and ending with the most difficult, will examine all six infinitives in the English language, the functions and structure of their use.

General definition of the infinitive

The infinitive in English corresponds to the infinitive form of the verb in Russian. He denotes an action without naming a number or a person, and answers the questions “What should I do?” and/or “What should I do?” The infinitive is also called the initial or dictionary form of the verb, since if you look up the meaning or translation of the word in the dictionary, it will give exactly this form.

Distinctive feature All verbs in the infinitive form have the particle to.

1. I like to read. - I enjoy reading.
2. We want to help. - We want to help.

The use of an infinitive in English without this particle is possible, but in very rare cases. For example, after some modal verbs, or if the infinitive functions as a complex object.

1. You must do your homework! - You must do your homework!
2. I saw him open the window. - I saw him open the window.

As examples show, when translating into Russian, the presence or absence of the particle to does not matter.

Simple infinitive in active voice

It is used when it is necessary to show that the subject is performing an action at the same time as that action is reported, or will perform it later. To form a simple infinitive in the active voice, just add the particle to to the verb. In an example in sentences, this indefinite form looks like this:

1. They want to invite us to John's birthday party, but we won't be able to come. - They want to invite us to John's birthday party, but we won't be able to come.
2. I wish to travel to California, because it is warm and beautiful there. - I dream of going on a trip to California because it is warm and beautiful there.

In both cases, the actions described by the infinitive will occur after they have been announced: no one has been invited to the birthday party yet, but they only want to. And no one travels to California yet, but only dreams.

Simple infinitive in passive voice

The time relations in this case are the same, only the action is performed not by the object itself, but on it. To form this form of the infinitive, you need to add to be the past participle of the verb you are looking for. For example:

1. I want this project to be finished. - I want to finish this project.
2. We all like to be told compliments and given presents. - We all love it when people give us compliments and gifts.

In both cases, the subject does not perform the action expressed by the infinitive: the project is not completed, compliments are not given, and gifts are not given themselves. This is why the voice is called passive or passive.

Continuous infinitive in active voice

The rule of infinitives in English states that the continuous infinitive is used almost on the same principle as the simple one, with the only difference being that it requires an indication of duration. With its help, actions are expressed that began earlier, but have not ended yet, or those that will begin and will continue for some time in the future.

To form a continuous infinitive in the active voice, you need to add to be the desired verb with ending -ing. For example:

1. She have to be working now, but she will finish her work soon. - Right now she most likely has to work, but she will finish her work soon.
2. My best wish is to be sleeping for more then six hours per day, but I"m too busy and have no time to rest for so much time. - My deepest desire is to sleep more than six hours a day, but I'm too busy and don't have time to rest for that long.

In the first case, the action occurs simultaneously with how it is reported: it works while someone talks about it. In the second case, the action will probably happen in the future.

Perfect infinitive in active voice

This grammatical construction is used when we need to talk about an action that was completed before it was reported. To form it, use to have, adding to it the past participle of the desired verb. In an example it looks like this:

I wish to have read this book till the end by now, but I haven't finished it yet. - I would like to read this book all the way by this time, but I haven't finished it yet.

Perfect infinitive in passive voice

To form this form, you need to use to have been, adding to it the desired verb in the past participle form. Like the previous one, it refers to the past tense, but implies that the action was performed not by the object itself, but on it:

I hope the room to have been cleared up! - I hope the room is cleaned!

The room mentioned in this sentence must be cleaned before the author of the statement reports it, and not in the future or in this moment. And it does not remove itself - the action is performed on the object.

Perfect continuous infinitive in active voice

This version of the infinitive in English is used much less frequently than others due to some of its cumbersomeness and abundance auxiliary verbs. To form it, you need to add the present participle of the desired verb to the construction to have been.

The perfect continuous infinitive is used to describe an action that has already been completed and has been going on for some time:

I know him to have been working as the headmaster of the school for five years until he was fired. - I know that he worked as a school principal for five years before he was fired.

This sentence contains an indication of duration (for five years) and elapsed time (before he was fired).

Summing up

There are many ways to master this topic. Exercises on infinitives in English are far from the only way. You can search and write down examples of the use of the indefinite form of the verb from fiction, independently compose sentences, translate from English into Russian and vice versa.

For those preparing to take the exam, it will be very useful to know all six described variants of the infinitive in English. For those who are trying to master it at an intermediate level, for example, to go on holiday abroad, it will be enough to master at least the first three of them, because the functions of the infinitive in English are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to replace with other grammatical constructions.

Hi there! It's time to get acquainted with the very important preposition “to” for the English language and study the use of to after and with a verb in English. Often, students at the beginning of their studies experience difficulties precisely because of its use. Having learned one use case, it is difficult to switch to another option, which also requires this preposition. In fact, everything is not so complicated and sad with the nasty “to”. Let's look at those situations where it is necessary and where it should not be.

Infinitive is the impersonal form of the verb that answers the question “what to do?”, “what to do?” I always give my students who are just starting their studies a very simple hint - ask a question for action, if the option of infinitive questions (see above) is suitable, then feel free to put the part “to”. For example, a student translates a sentence I want to read a book on the train , he gets to the first verb want (want) and asks the question “what am I doing?”, the question did not match, so we do not put a preposition before want. Then we move on to read (read), ask the question “what to do?”, this is exactly the question of the infinitive - feel free to put “to”! And in the end we get: I want to read a book on the train.

Here are some examples of infinitives in English, you can check them by asking the right questions:

I am glad to see you here!

(Glad to see you here!)

My grandmother likes to write letters and hates messengers.

(My grandmother loves to write letters and hates instant messengers.)

We hope to meet you at the party on Friday.

(We hope to meet you at the party on Friday.)

They will try to come but they may be busy.

(They will try to come, but they may be busy.)

She asked her child to take the basket.

(She asked her child to take the basket.)

The use of a noun with the preposition “to” corresponds to dative case in Russian (answers the question “to whom?”, “what?”). But it’s worth understanding the cases of use, since there are two possible options, one of which does not require a preposition in front of the object.

The preposition “to” is used with a direct object in English. For those who are not super deeply familiar with Russian grammar, I’ll explain it a little simpler - if you want to say: I'm writing (what?) a message to (who?) you , then in English version“to” must be placed before the person to whom the action is directed, that is, we immediately say “what”, and then before “whom” we put a preposition: I am writing a message to you .

More examples:

He brought a huge bunch of roses to her.

(He brought her a huge bouquet of roses.)

They presented the best gift to their mother.

(They gave the most best gift his mother.)

You can order three pizzas to children, they are always hungry.

(You can order three pizzas for the kids, they are always hungry.)

Will you send this postcard to your aunt?

(Will you send this card to your aunt?)

In an indirect object, the preposition “to” is omitted. In other words, if you immediately say “to whom” and then “what”, then there is no need to put “to”. For example: Give to me this piece pizza – Give me this piece of pizza.

He brought her a huge bunch of roses.

They presented their mother the best gift.

You can order children three pizzas; they are always hungry.

Will you send your aunt this postcard?

Here I foresee a favorite question of English learners:

- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

- Yes, in no way, the translation does not change exactly, just like the meaning. You can use any option that you like best!

* But be sure to read the article to the end to get acquainted with constructions in which the preposition “to” is obligatory, despite the indirect object.

As for verbs of motion, everything is clear here: ask a question "Where?" and put " to"if there is a direction and final destination:

Teenagers go to university after graduating school.

(Teenagers go to university after finishing school.)

We go to work by bus.

(We go to work by bus)

Drive me to the city center.

(Take me downtown.)

I’ll come to you as soon as I am free.

(I'll come to you as soon as I'm free.)

She moved to Chicago with her new boyfriend several years ago.

(She moved to Chicago with her new boyfriend several years ago.)

*Do not use preposition “to” with the following phrases, memorize them: go home(go home), go abroad(to go abroad), go underground(go to the subway) go downtown(go to the city center), go somewhere/anywhere(go somewhere) go there/here(go there/here), go in/inside(go inside) go out/outside(go outside) go upstairs/downstairs(go up/down the stairs):

Let's go home, I'm so tired.

(Let's go home, I'm so tired.)

People often go abroad to find a well-paid job.

(People often go abroad to find high-paying jobs.)

He'll go underground to meet her there.

(He will go down to the subway to meet her there.)

Don't go downtown alone.

(Don't go downtown alone)

Go anywhere when you are not at work.

(You can go wherever you want when you're not at work.)

I'll never go here again with your mother.

(I'll never come here again with your mom.)

It's going to rain. Let's go inside.

(It's going to rain. Let's go inside)

Go downstairs and turn left to find her apartment.

(Go downstairs and turn left to find her apartment.)

Using “to” to mean “to”

The English "to" is equivalent to the English "in order to". Knowing this meaning will greatly simplify your life and allow you to significantly shorten phrases, which is incredibly valuable for the English language.

We have to eat more proteins to be strong and healthy.

(We need to eat more protein to stay strong and healthy.)

I just call to say I love you.

(I'm just calling to say I love you.)

She started learning English to move abroad.

(She started learning English to move abroad.)

Words till And until (until some time) can be replaced with the preposition "to" to indicate a period of time:

from...to...

(From to …)

We were at the swimming pool from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

(We were in the pool from 19 to 21)

It's quarter to five.

(A quarter to five)

How much time do we have to lunch?

(How much time do we still have before lunch?)

Stable constructions with the preposition “to”

Before moving on to the list of constructions with the preposition “to,” let’s look at a few examples where students often make mistakes. For example, here is the design « explainsthtosmb/ explaintosmbsth» (explain something to someone and vice versa). You just need to memorize it, so to speak, accept it as it is, because the rule with direct and indirect objects does not apply here, in both cases there will be “to”:

Could you explain to me this rule?

Could you explain this rule to me?

(Could you explain this rule to me?)

With verb listen (listen) exactly the same situation, just remember it along with “to”, as if it were part of the word itself:

Listen to the teacher please.

(Listen to the teacher, please.)

He always listens to music when he goes to work.

(He always listens to music when he goes to work.)

Listen to him carefully as he is explaining sth important now.

(Listen to him as he is now explaining something important.)

I don't want to listen to your advice.

(I don't want to listen to your advice.)

*Verbs explain And listen can be used without a preposition when there are no complements. Most often this occurs in the imperative (order, request, instruction).

Listen! Smb is behind the door!

(Listen! There is someone behind the door!)

Please explain once again! I couldn't understand anything.

(Please explain again! I couldn't understand anything.)

In addition to the verbs “to listen” and “to explain,” there are a number of other words that are used with the preposition “to”:

Also remember several constructions that contain a preposition in their structure"to": wantto(want to do something) wouldliketo(would like to do something) usedto(get used to it, do it earlier), getusedto(get used to), tobehonest(to be honest) totellthetruth(to tell the truth):

She wants to help all stray dogs.

(She wants to help all stray dogs.)

I would like to visit Paris.

(I would like to visit Paris.)

I used to work in the IT company.

(I used to work in an IT company.)

She got used to his socks around the house.

(She got used to his socks scattered around the house.)

To be honest, this is not what I mean.

(To be honest, that's not what I mean.)

To tell the truth, this guy is the worst you could meet.

(To be honest, this guy is the worst thing you could ever meet.)

Modal verbs are used without the preposition “to”

Of course, this rule does not apply have to And ought to, which without “to” will lose their modality. We also don’t include the modal here. need, it has a parallel form needto, so it can be used with or without a preposition. Perhaps I will pay more attention to this verb in a separate article. Now we will talk about modal verbs must, can, may, will, would, shall, should. Here they are used strictly without the preposition “to”:

You mustn’t talk to your mother like that.

(You shouldn't talk to your mom like that.)

We can relax after work today.

(We can relax after work today.)

May I go out?.

(May I go out?)

You will never forget your first love.

(You will never forget your first love.)

What would you do if you have $100,000?

(What would you do if you had $100,000?)

I shall teach you!

(I'll teach you a lesson!)

Children should help their parents.

(Children should take care of their parents.) Using “to” to mean “to”

Remember that “to” is not used after the word make in meaning force:

He makes me go home after work.

(He makes me go home after work.)

Don’t make angry with you, do your homework!

(Don't make me quarrel with that one, do your homework!)

Also, “to” is not used after the word let (allow, permit):

Let me go!

(Let me go!)

Could you be so kind to let me take this book?

(Would you be so kind as to let me borrow this book?)

Using the preposition “to” with allow depends on the meaning of the verb: if it is translated as let in, then there will be no preposition, and if it means let, then the structure has the form allow+ addition +to:

My mother didn’t allow me in last night.

(My mom didn't let me in last night.)

They allowed us into the shop a bit earlier.

(They let us into the store a little earlier.)

My boss allowed me to go home after lunch.

(My boss let me go home after lunch.)

Parents shouldn't allow their children to smoke.

(Parents should not allow their children to smoke.)

Using verbs without “to”

Well, perhaps I’ll end this article with an answer to the question that my new students ask before learning words from memory: “ Why do some words have "to ”, but not in front of others? Does he need to be taught or what?“Here, my dear readers, I always smile and explain that “to” in the list of words to learn comes before verbs and there is no need to learn it :)