To or Not to: A Guide to Using 'To' with Infinitives in English

In English, we can sometimes simplify sentences by using "to" instead of repeating a full to-infinitive clause, especially when the meaning is clear from the context. 

Using "To" Instead of Repeating a Clause

When it’s clear what action is being referred to, you can replace a full clause beginning with a to-infinitive with just "to."

Examples:

-I wanted to come with you, but I won’t be able to.
(Instead of: … to come with you.)

-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 the previous sentence or clause uses the verb "be," the to-infinitive form of "be" must be repeated in the following clause.

Example:

-Leon was frightened – or maybe he just pretended to be.
-(Not: … just pretended to.)

Omitting the To-Infinitive After Nouns and Adjectives

After most nouns and adjectives that can be followed by a to-infinitive clause, you can either omit the to-infinitive clause or use "to."

Examples:

-I’m not going to write another book – at least I don’t have any plans (to).
(Or: … plans to write another book.)

-‘Could you and Tom help me move house?’ ‘Well, I’m willing (to), and I’ll ask Tom.

Using "To" with Certain Verbs

With some verbs, you can also choose to omit the to-infinitive or include "to."

Examples:

-Alex will collect us by 10 o’clock. He promised (to).

-‘You were supposed to buy some sugar.’ ‘Sorry, I forgot (to).’

However, when using verbs that require a complement (a phrase that completes the meaning of the verb), you cannot leave out "to."

Examples:

-I admit that I took her watch, but I didn’t mean to.

-Have you thought about getting vaccinated against cholera before going there? I’d certainly advise you to.

Special Cases: If-Clauses and Wh-Clauses

After "want" and "would like" in if-clauses and wh-clauses, you can often omit the to-infinitive or include "to."

Examples:

-You’re welcome to dance if you’d like (to).

-You can do whatever you would like (to).

-Call me Ben if you want (to).

-Come and see us when you want (to).

In other types of clauses (not if- and wh-clauses), you should include "to."

Examples:

-I was planning to see you tomorrow, and I would still like to.

-I offered to clean your car because I really want to, not because I hope to be paid

Omitting "To" After "Like" in If- and Wh-Clauses

In if-clauses and wh-clauses, you usually omit "to" after "like." Compare the following:

Examples:

-You can have one if you like.
and
-You can have one if you’d like (to).

-Leave whenever you like.
and
-Leave whenever you’d like (to).

Including "To" in Negative Forms

With negative forms of "want," "would like," and "like," including in if-clauses and wh-clauses, you must include "to."

Examples:

-‘Shall we go and visit Laura?’ ‘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 asking him for a loan.’ ‘Oh, no, I wouldn’t like to.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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