Page 171 - Advanced English Grammar in Use

L e a v i n g o u t t o - i n f i n i t i v e s ( S h e d i d n ' t w a n t t o ( g o ) . )

We can sometimes use to instead of a clause beginning with a to-infinitive when it is clear from
the context what we are talking about:
• I wanted to come with you, but I won't be able to. (instead of ...to come with you.)
• 'I can't lend you any more money.' 'I'm not asking you to.' (instead of ...to lend me more
money.)
• It might have been better if Rosa had asked for my help, but she chose not to. (instead of
...chose not to ask for my help.)
However, when we use parts of the verb be in the previous sentence or clause the infinitive form
of the verb (to be) is repeated after to:
• Simon was frightened - or maybe he just pretended to be. (not ...just pretended to.)
• The report is very critical and is clearly intended to be. (not ...clearly intended to.)

We sometimes leave out a to-infinitive clause or use to after certain adjectives and nouns:
• 'Could you and Tom help me move house?' 'Well, I'm willing (to), and I'll ask Tom.'
• I'm not going to write another book - at least I don't have any plans (to).
We can also leave out a to-infinitive or use to with the verbs agree, ask, expect, forget, promise,
refuse, try, wish:
• Robert will collect us by 10 o'clock. He promised (to).
• 'You were supposed to buy some sugar.' 'Sorry, I forgot (to).'
However, when we use negative forms of expect and wish we don't leave out to:
• We saw Maggie in Scotland, although we didn't expect to. (not ...we didn't expect.)
After some verbs we don't leave out to:
• I admit that I took her watch, but I didn't mean to.
• 'Please suggest changes to the plans if you want.' 'I intend to.'
Other verbs like this include advise (+ noun), be able, choose, deserve, fail, hate, hope, need,
prefer.

After want and would like in //-clauses and w/7-clauses we can leave out a to-infinitive or use to:
• You're welcome to dance if you'd like (to).
• You can do whatever you would like (to).
• Call me Fred if you want (to).
• Take what you want (to) and leave the rest.
Oln other cases we include to:
• • I was planning to see you tomorrow, and I would still like to.
• They offered to clean your car because they want to, not because they hope to be paid.
After like we leave out a to-infinitive:
• Say anything you like. I won't be offended.
• You can have one of these cakes if you like.

However, we include to with negative forms of want, would like, and like, including in //-clauses
and ^-clauses:
• 'Shall we go and visit Joan?' 'I don't really want to.'
• I should have phoned Jo last night, but it was so late when I got home I didn't like to.
• 'He won't mind you phoning him at home.' 'Oh, no, I wouldn't like to.'
Verb + to-infinitive => IIIIIIHMH:! Verb + wh-clause =