We use to + base verb to explain why we do something — this answers the question "For what purpose?". This is called the adverbial infinitive of purpose.
Structure: Main clause + [to + base verb].
Example: "She joined a gym to get fit." → Why did she join? To get fit.
⚠️ Common mistake (Bulgarian learners): In Bulgarian, the idea of "in order to" is expressed differently, which often leads to the error of using "for + verb" in English.
Many English verbs are directly followed by the to-infinitive. These must be memorised in two groups depending on whether they take an object between the verb and the infinitive.
Pattern A — No object: The subject makes the decision for themselves.
Verbs: decide, hope, agree, learn, plan, choose, manage, refuse, offer, promise, fail, afford.
Example: "He decided to join the football club."
Pattern B — With object: The subject influences another person.
Verbs: want, ask, tell, invite, persuade, remind, encourage, allow, force, warn.
Example: "They persuaded him to join the club."
Negative form: Place not before the infinitive in both patterns.
Example: "I decided not to go to the rehearsal." / "She warned me not to be late."
In certain grammatical environments, the "to" is dropped and we use only the base form of the verb (the bare infinitive). You must memorise which structures require this.
After Modal Verbs: can, could, should, will, would, might, must, shall.
Example: "You should join the choir — you have a great voice!"
After Causative Verbs (Let & Make):
Structure: [Make/Let] + Object + Base Verb
"The coach made us run five laps." / "She let him choose the film."
⚠️ Note: Make implies force. Let implies permission.
After Perception Verbs (See, Hear, Watch + Object):
"I heard him play the guitar from upstairs." (He played; I heard the complete action).
The to-infinitive frequently follows adjectives, especially when the subject is introduced by the dummy "it".
The "It" Dummy Subject:
Structure: It + be + adjective + to-infinitive
"It is difficult to concentrate when the room is noisy."
Too + Adjective + To-Infinitive → implies a negative result (something is impossible or inadvisable).
"He was too tired to continue the hike." (He didn't continue — it was impossible.)
Adjective + Enough + To-Infinitive → implies a positive result (sufficient ability or quality).
"She is confident enough to perform in front of an audience."
⚠️ Word order matters: too comes before the adjective; enough comes after the adjective.
The to-infinitive can follow a noun to define its purpose or function, and it must follow certain indefinite pronouns.
Noun + To-Infinitive: The infinitive explains what the noun is for or what should be done with it.
"I have a lot of work to do before the tournament."
"It is time to leave for the rehearsal."
"He needs someone to practise with."
Indefinite Pronouns + To-Infinitive:
After something, anything, nothing, somewhere, anywhere, nowhere, someone, no one, everyone — we always use to-infinitive.
"I need something to do this weekend."
"There is nowhere to sit in this club."
"We have nothing to watch on TV tonight."
My name is Daniel, and two years ago, I decided to take up painting — something I had never done before in my life. My colleague persuaded me to join a beginner's art class at the local community centre, and I am so glad she did. At first, it was quite difficult to concentrate. The instructor made us practise the same basic brushstrokes for the first three sessions, and I found it almost too frustrating to continue. But I was determined enough to push through those early weeks, and something suddenly clicked. Now I paint for at least two hours every evening to unwind after work. I have something to look forward to every single day, and it has made me a calmer and more patient person. I even entered a local exhibition last spring. I didn't win anything, but I wasn't expecting to — I just wanted to share my work with someone other than my family. I always tell people: it is never too late to pick up a new hobby. You might be surprised to discover a hidden talent you never knew you had.
1. How did Daniel first get involved in painting?
2. Why was the beginning of the class difficult for Daniel?
3. What was Daniel's main reason for entering the local exhibition? (Inference)
4. What does Daniel use painting for in his daily routine?
A year ago, I could not run for more than five minutes without stopping. I was too unfit to even consider entering a race. Then my doctor told me I needed to do some form of regular exercise to keep my heart healthy, and that was the push I needed. I downloaded a running app to help me structure my training. The plan allowed me to progress slowly — first to run for ten minutes, then twenty, and eventually to complete a full 5km without stopping. My friends let me choose my own pace, and they never made me feel embarrassed about being a beginner. Now, six months later, I am fit enough to run three times a week, and I have already signed up for a local half-marathon. It is incredible to think how much my life has changed. I have something to train for every morning, which gives my whole week structure. My advice to anyone who wants to start running: find a programme to follow, set a small goal to achieve in the first month, and don't be too hard on yourself. You don't need to be fast enough to win races — you just need to be brave enough to start.
1. What motivated the writer to start running?
2. How did the writer's friends support them?
3. What does the writer mean when they say running "gives my whole week structure"? (Inference)
4. According to the writer, what is the most important quality needed to start running?
My sister has always been keen (1) creative activities, so last year she decided (2) up a pottery class.
At first, the instructor (3) the whole group practise the same basic shapes for several weeks (4) their muscle memory. My sister found it difficult (5) patient — she wanted to make something beautiful straight away!
After a month, she was finally skilled (6) to make a proper bowl, but she was still (7) nervous to show it to anyone outside the class. The instructor encouraged her (8) a small local exhibition.
There was something really special about watching (9) display her work for the first time. She now has (10) to look forward to every single week.