Use 'to' before the base form of a verb

Common English Grammar Mistakes

As a language learner, it’s natural to make mistakes while speaking or writing in English. One area where many learners stumble is the use of the preposition "to" before the base form of a verb. In this article, we will explore this common mistake and provide tips for overcoming it.

Using "to" with Infinitive Verbs

When using a verb in its base form (infinitive form) after another verb, it is important to include the preposition "to" before the verb. This structure is known as the to-infinitive form.

Incorrect: I want go to the store.
Correct: I want to go to the store.

In the incorrect example, the verb "go" is missing the preposition "to" before it. By adding "to," the sentence becomes grammatically correct.

Using "to" with Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are an exception to the rule mentioned above. Modal verbs, such as "can," "should," and "must," do not require the preposition "to" before the verb.

Incorrect: I should to study more.
Correct: I should study more.

In the incorrect example, the modal verb "should" is incorrectly followed by the preposition "to." By removing "to," the sentence becomes grammatically correct.

Using "to" for Indirect Object Verbs

Some verbs, such as "give," "offer," and "tell," can be followed by both a direct object and an indirect object. When using an indirect object, it is important to include the preposition "to" before the indirect object.

Incorrect: I gave the book my friend.
Correct: I gave the book to my friend.

In the incorrect example, the indirect object "my friend" is missing the preposition "to" before it. By adding "to," the sentence becomes grammatically correct.

It is worth mentioning that Linguix Grammar Checker is an excellent tool to help you catch and correct such mistakes. This AI-powered writing assistant can detect grammar errors and offer suggestions for improvement in real-time, ensuring that your written English is accurate and polished.

Incorrect:
We want test it.

Correct:
We want to test it.
Incorrect:
We need test it first.

Correct:
We need to test it first.
Incorrect:
We like make it better.

Correct:
We like to make it better.
Incorrect:
We like enhance it.

Correct:
We like to enhance it.
Incorrect:
I want let you down.

Correct:
I want to let you down.
Incorrect:
Listen all the time, this bloody sentence just want make me mad and i want delete the game.

Correct:
Listen all the time, this bloody sentence just want to make me mad and i want delete the game.
Incorrect:
You need tell me exactly how this happened.

Correct:
You need to tell me exactly how this happened.
Incorrect:
Anyway, if you want try it on your own, then you can.

Correct:
Anyway, if you want to try it on your own, then you can.
Correct:
Why does love make us so happy?
Correct:
Why would love make us happy?
Correct:
While I like do it yourself problem solving I feel this might be better left to BMW specialists.
Correct:
If you need help you're all by yourself.
Correct:
What hopes do you have?
Correct:
When there's anything you need let me know.
Correct:
What needs do you have in mind?

Incorrect:
I would like see us make this work.

Correct:
I would like to see us make this work.
Incorrect:
I would always try make it first.

Correct:
I would always try to make it first.
Incorrect:
I shall try help you from here.

Correct:
I shall try to help you from here.
Incorrect:
I would like have them open for all US East Power.

Correct:
I would like to have them open for all US East Power.
Incorrect:
I also wanted to know if you or Mr Lay may want meet them.

Correct:
I also wanted to know if you or Mr Lay may want to meet them.
Incorrect:
I will try contact them today, but don’t know what to ask them.

Correct:
I will try to contact them today, but don’t know what to ask them.
Incorrect:
I will try get you a copy of the February reports and send them to you.

Correct:
I will try to get you a copy of the February reports and send them to you.
Incorrect:
They don't want let me learn.

Correct:
They don't want to let me learn.

Incorrect:
He wants test the tool.

Correct:
He wants to test the tool.
Incorrect:
I want resolve the power basis curve issue.

Correct:
I want to resolve the power basis curve issue.
Incorrect:
Restart PHP and try replicate your issue.

Correct:
Restart PHP and try to replicate your issue.
Incorrect:
Tom let us know he needs do that.

Correct:
Tom let us know he needs to do that.
Incorrect:
Don't you want take a break?

Correct:
Don't you want to take a break?
Incorrect:
Let's try write a song together.

Correct:
Let's try to write a song together.
Incorrect:
Does somebody want do my homework for me?

Correct:
Does somebody want to do my homework for me?
Incorrect:
Hi, we need add an SSL certificate on my website.

Correct:
Hi, we need to add an SSL certificate on my website.
Incorrect:
You need have a good microphone because we care about sound quality.

Correct:
You need to have a good microphone because we care about sound quality.
Incorrect:
I also need transfer the name to another part of our deployment system.

Correct:
I also need to transfer the name to another part of our deployment system.
Correct:
If I'm desperate I turn up in person and hassle reception if I need support that badly.
Correct:
Life and love contain the whole thing.
Correct:
Who needs help the most?
Correct:
I like fall a lot.
Correct:
When we needed help a lot of people just left.
Correct:
Talk to the people that need help the most.

Incorrect:
I would like test the tool.

Correct:
I would like to test the tool.
Incorrect:
Tom doesn't like make the test.

Correct:
Tom doesn't like to make the test.
Incorrect:
I can try take a look and see if I can get anything running.

Correct:
I can try to take a look and see if I can get anything running.
Incorrect:
I assumed no because you would personally need know the language to string a sentence together.

Correct:
I assumed no because you would personally need to know the language to string a sentence together.
Incorrect:
If some of you have some idea about how could I implement I would love listen your contribution.

Correct:
If some of you have some idea about how could I implement I would love to listen your contribution.
Incorrect:
You will want do this while the app is not reporting.

Correct:
You will want to do this while the app is not reporting.
Incorrect:
In those cases, you would need add an initial forward slash.

Correct:
In those cases, you would need to add an initial forward slash.
Incorrect:
You may also want take a look at this.

Correct:
You may also want to take a look at this.
Incorrect:
I'm trying mount my folder with code in my container.

Correct:
I'm trying to mount my folder with code in my container.
Incorrect:
Will work on something to try solve that.

Correct:
Will work on something to try to solve that.
Incorrect:
I know Tom doesn't want be the next one to do that.

Correct:
I know Tom doesn't want to be the next one to do that.
Incorrect:
Companies such as Coca-Cola have actively tried improve their efficiency of water usage.

Correct:
Companies such as Coca-Cola have actively tried to improve their efficiency of water usage.
Correct:
Dear God, May love replace all fear.
Correct:
Let love lead the way.
Correct:
He does not want support any more.
Correct:
Don't let hope become a memory.

Incorrect:
I want spend time with my friends.

Correct:
I want to spend time with my friends.
Incorrect:
I want thank everyone for their participation.

Correct:
I want to thank everyone for their participation.
Incorrect:
Can you try use Chrome in Incognito mode, or with all add-ons disabled and see if this helps?

Correct:
Can you try to use Chrome in Incognito mode, or with all add-ons disabled and see if this helps?
Correct:
We need account information necessary to set it up such as name, TIN etc.
Correct:
You needed help making sense of it all.
Correct:
People who love doubt nothing, or doubt everything.
Correct:
If it's that what you want please contact your teacher.

Incorrect:
I would like spend time with my friends.

Correct:
I would like to spend time with my friends.
Incorrect:
Tom will try persuade Mary to do that.

Correct:
Tom will try to persuade Mary to do that.
Correct:
Also which trader will need read only access.

Incorrect:
He wants have all features.

Correct:
He wants to have all features.
Incorrect:
He wants have car parts.

Correct:
He wants to have car parts.
Incorrect:
Can you try run the following commands?

Correct:
Can you try to run the following commands?
Incorrect:
Let me try get some folks in our Community Slack instance to have a try at this.

Correct:
Let me try to get some folks in our Community Slack instance to have a try at this.
Incorrect:
They want improve his skills.

Correct:
They want to improve his skills.
Correct:
I need cost reductions, improved cash flow and support.
Correct:
We always love best the people who need us.
Correct:
I wanted candy a few moments ago.
Correct:
I love marvel movies a lot.
Correct:
If it has a roaring sound coming from the rear, then you need rear wheel bearings.
Correct:
You love mature ladies.

Incorrect:
I would like test all features first.

Correct:
I would like to test all features first.
Incorrect:
I actually represent my employer which would like produce LED light drivers.

Correct:
I actually represent my employer which would like to produce LED light drivers.
Incorrect:
I would like involve more people with vision, means and desire to help make this a reality.

Correct:
I would like to involve more people with vision, means and desire to help make this a reality.
Incorrect:
I’ll try document my efforts and contribute something back myself.

Correct:
I’ll try to document my efforts and contribute something back myself.
Incorrect:
So I do want thank the guys for all the help offered.

Correct:
So I do want to thank the guys for all the help offered.
Correct:
You don't like love stories.

Incorrect:
We want test the tool first.

Correct:
We want to test the tool first.
Incorrect:
Could you try close the game and restart?

Correct:
Could you try to close the game and restart?
Incorrect:
I want mimic your specific case.

Correct:
I want to mimic your specific case.
Incorrect:
They cannot do much except try get the players to somehow shake hands.

Correct:
They cannot do much except try to get the players to somehow shake hands.
Correct:
The gas contracts we need include the following.
Correct:
At the end just facet on whatever attribute you want down your rows.
Incorrect:
Let's try write a song together.

Correct:
Let's try to write a song together.
Incorrect:
I need buy a new car.

Correct:
I need to buy a new car.
Correct:
Hanako likes cake a lot.
Correct:
She likes cake a whole lot.
Correct:
Maharashtra claims that it doesn't need even the 740 MW now generated offtake, the higher the unit price of DPC power.
Correct:
They like Option A for closeout setoff, which limits everything to just the parties, no affiliates and no other agreements.

Incorrect:
We want go to the cinema.

Correct:
We want to go to the cinema.
Incorrect:
To make the turn even tighter, you need concentrate on the strength of your core.

Correct:
To make the turn even tighter, you need to concentrate on the strength of your core.
Incorrect:
Try get in our heads.

Correct:
Try to get in our heads.
Incorrect:
You need talk to them about what they can/will provide.

Correct:
You need to talk to them about what they can/will provide.
Incorrect:
However, before transacting, we need speak with Mark for legal approval.

Correct:
However, before transacting, we need to speak with Mark for legal approval.
Incorrect:
I love listen to music.

Correct:
I love to listen to music.
Correct:
We all need help from time to time.
Correct:
I need advise about how to cope.
Correct:
He makes the woman he loves go through hard times.
Correct:
The things he needs depend on how much he earns.
Correct:
He understood what love felt like.

Incorrect:
I like go to the pool.

Correct:
I like to go to the pool.

Incorrect:
We would like go to the cinema.

Correct:
We would like to go to the cinema.
Incorrect:
Dear Schuyler, I would like respond to your mail concerning the ISDA Protocol.

Correct:
Dear Schuyler, I would like to respond to your mail concerning the ISDA Protocol.
Incorrect:
How many more days do you think Tom will need stay in the hospital?

Correct:
How many more days do you think Tom will need to stay in the hospital?

Incorrect:
I like hang out with the crew.

Correct:
I like to hang out with the crew.
Incorrect:
I need set up a bigger timeout number.

Correct:
I need to set up a bigger timeout number.
Correct:
What do you need help with?
Correct:
I love stand up comedians.
Correct:
Did all the bulbs you tried burn out?

Incorrect:
I would like hang out with the crew.

Correct:
I would like to hang out with the crew.
Incorrect:
We have tried strike up a working relationship with the certification team.

Correct:
We have tried to strike up a working relationship with the certification team.
Correct:
I was like come on give me a new cool toy.

Incorrect:
He needs go there.

Correct:
He needs to go there.
Incorrect:
We want try badly.

Correct:
We want to try badly.
Incorrect:
Let me try explain again.

Correct:
Let me try to explain again.
Incorrect:
I want go back to work.

Correct:
I want to go back to work.
Incorrect:
I hope be here.

Correct:
I hope to be here.
Incorrect:
I tried log off and log on.

Correct:
I tried to log off and log on.
Incorrect:
Do you still want know why I'm going?

Correct:
Do you still want to know why I'm going?
Incorrect:
Tom and Mary said they want go back to Boston someday.

Correct:
Tom and Mary said they want to go back to Boston someday.
Incorrect:
Tom has already told Mary she needs be there tomorrow at 2:30.

Correct:
Tom has already told Mary she needs to be there tomorrow at 2:30.
Incorrect:
Do you still want know where I live?

Correct:
Do you still want to know where I live?
Correct:
It is working on the bulletin board that I need up so that I can let tenants know about what is going on.
Correct:
I need sleep tonight.
Correct:
The ones you love walk out slowly.

Incorrect:
We would like go there.

Correct:
We would like to go there.
Correct:
Tom called Mary to tell her he might need help later in the afternoon.

Incorrect:
He needs go.

Correct:
He needs to go.
Incorrect:
Installer will detect PHP 7 and try install.

Correct:
Installer will detect PHP 7 and try to install.
Incorrect:
Just talk about the language that you want learn.

Correct:
Just talk about the language that you want to learn.
Incorrect:
Please note that the need is immediate, and only candidates able to relocate quickly need apply.

Correct:
Please note that the need is immediate, and only candidates able to relocate quickly need to apply.
Incorrect:
Don't complain if the $3400.00 is more than you want spend.

Correct:
Don't complain if the $3400.00 is more than you want to spend.
Incorrect:
Is there anything else you want say?

Correct:
Is there anything else you want to say?
Incorrect:
So far I just want sit and smoke a cigarette or lay whole day.

Correct:
So far I just want to sit and smoke a cigarette or lay whole day.
Correct:
I love fall.
Correct:
I need help.
Correct:
Well, we all need hope.
Correct:
Or if need be, Dad says he can come down himself and do it.
Correct:
I love crawfish.
Correct:
And if need be, we will have the flexibility to alter our itinerary.
Correct:
Do I need live.auth.example.com or auth.example.com?

Incorrect:
He needs go

Correct:
He needs to go

Incorrect:
We would like go.

Correct:
We would like to go.
Incorrect:
I really do want know.

Correct:
I really do want to know.
Correct:
Which seat do you want please?
Correct:
I didn't need drag \u0026amp; drop.

Incorrect:
We would like go

Correct:
We would like to go

Incorrect:
I want improve to become a better man.

Correct:
I want to improve to become a better man.
Correct:
They need help to understand their office equipment.
Correct:
Tana, all the people on my previous list need access to add comments.
Correct:
The research project is going well, except that a lot of the articles we need have to be ordered because our libraries do not carry the journals.

Incorrect:
I would need improve to become a better man.

Correct:
I would need to improve to become a better man.
Incorrect:
Enron may want try to renegotiate the contract.

Correct:
Enron may want to try to renegotiate the contract.

Incorrect:
I want know who he has become.

Correct:
I want to know who he has become.

Incorrect:
I would like know who he has become.

Correct:
I would like to know who he has become.

Incorrect:
I think we need accelerate this process.

Correct:
I think we need to accelerate this process.
Incorrect:
I need use subtitles on my video.

Correct:
I need to use subtitles on my video.
Incorrect:
Do the technicians need use oil?

Correct:
Do the technicians need to use oil?
Incorrect:
I need buy a new car.

Correct:
I need to buy a new car.
Incorrect:
I need bring some flowers.

Correct:
I need to bring some flowers.
Incorrect:
The technicians need bring washers.

Correct:
The technicians need to bring washers.
Incorrect:
You know you need do that, don't you?

Correct:
You know you need to do that, to don't you?
Incorrect:
I think i need install SpringScanner.

Correct:
I think i need to install SpringScanner.
Incorrect:
Others can view your app’s data, they just need be granted permission- by You!

Correct:
Others can view your app’s data, they just need to be granted permission- by You!
Incorrect:
We need write access courses in sociology and media studies.

Correct:
We need to write access courses in sociology and media studies.
Incorrect:
We need include the following information in the proposal:

Correct:
We need to include the following information in the proposal:
Correct:
I think we need to accelerate this process.
Correct:
I need help with this task.
Correct:
Please i need help
Correct:
I really need help.
Correct:
We so badly need rain.
Correct:
People need love.
Correct:
People need people.
Correct:
I need people I can rely on.
Correct:
Children need sleep.
Correct:
Do you need toilet paper?
Correct:
Do you need water resistant?
Correct:
Do you need help moving?
Correct:
The mechanics need help moving to the new workshop.
Correct:
I bring mine if need be.
Correct:
If need be you can order an additional one.
Correct:
If a grammar does generate the empty string, it will be necessary to include the rule, but there need be no other ε-rule.
Correct:
Tom and Mary really need help.
Correct:
I need help also.
Correct:
You need better mechanics.
Correct:
We need lower taxes.
Correct:
We need better focus.
Correct:
We need better support.
Correct:
Do the technicians need police protection?
Correct:
Do the technicians need police truncheons?
Correct:
I need help every day.
Correct:
I need like 8-10.
Correct:
Let me choose what I need cause I found it.
Correct:
Also let them know what you are doing to help yourself and what you need help with.
Correct:
When the devs need fast cash then put it on sale for $1500.
Correct:
That’s why I need step 4 of my script.
Correct:
My understanding is that you need rank 1 or 2 to register for a given week.
Correct:
I need deal #854688 pathed for EPGT and for TETC.
Correct:
We need help all the time.
Correct:
... we have been thinking that they need help big time.
Correct:
I need help what to look for please.
Correct:
I haven't used them, so if you need help you should ask on the Script Debugger Forum.
Correct:
You need love He has got it.
Correct:
I haven't used them, so if you need help you should ask on the Script Debugger Forum.
Correct:
... like movies with strong emotional content, and I need help it’s getting out of my hands!
Correct:
If it turns out you need help I hope you can get it easily.
Correct:
I also added my terminal information I need help I’ve been trying to fix it and I cant find anything that works
Correct:
... but if you guys need help I could try to see if I can do the work well enough.
Correct:
If it has a roaring sound coming from the rear, then you need rear wheel bearings.
Correct:
I need help pleas.
Correct:
We need account information necessary to set it up such as name, TIN etc.
Correct:
permissions: ['r'] // need read permission to create subscriptions!
Correct:
I need deal date, start date, end date, premium, strike price,...
Correct:
I need access ASAP as I am supporting a trader who does most of his deals on EOL.
Correct:
Do we really need duplicate hero type association when there are so many troop types?
Correct:
I need license key location, because I added it to the in-correct account, so I need to change it to another license key.
Correct:
We need license and cost information before we continue this discussion about buying your software.
Correct:
And if you do have a project of your own where you need design help, you can of course submit it there too.
Correct:
We need complete well characteristic data (depth, basin, age) in order to be accurate.
Correct:
I need cost reductions, improved cash flow and SUPPORT.
Correct:
I need change overs to happen on Mondays.
Correct:
The gas contracts we need include the following, can you give us timescales.
Correct:
The documents that the managers need include the following:
Correct:
That’s right, but you need write access to the data directory too.
Correct:
All you need bring are sheets.
Correct:
If there is any other info you need let me know.
Correct:
I felt i need express this feeling so i made this little poem:

Incorrect:
Even native English speakers need use subtitles.

Correct:
Even native English speakers need to use subtitles.
Incorrect:
Did the technicians need use washers?

Correct:
Did the technicians need to use washers?
Incorrect:
The technicians need bring washers for the test.

Correct:
The technicians need to bring washers for the test.
Incorrect:
I guess that means I need remove https://docs.cert-manager.io/en/release-0.4/index.html from my cluster.

Correct:
I guess that means I need to remove https://docs.cert-manager.io/en/release-0.4/index.html from my cluster.
Incorrect:
There are a lot of issues we to need invent solutions for, or to collaborate with the CG to get them specified.

Correct:
There are a lot of issues we to need to invent solutions for, or to collaborate with the CG to get them specified.
Correct:
Even native English speakers need to use subtitles.
Correct:
We need lower taxes.
Correct:
You need better mechanics.
Correct:
Do the technicians need truncheons?
Correct:
Cool, but We Need Shrimp Warriors too!
Correct:
Do i need smart things hub for this?
Correct:
Need to know by tomorrow morning because we will be loading to Unify and need contract numbers assigned.
Correct:
I need help pleas.
Correct:
I think you need better photos.
Correct:
I need cost reductions, improved cash flow and SUPPORT.
Correct:
I think we need price caps all the time not just when we're in an emergency.
Correct:
...and just how much I rely on my mother to help remind me of things I need like meds and food etc.
Correct:
In order to support the greenfield merchant decision making process for '01, we need price forecasts 1.
Correct:
You need brake pads and rotors, and make sure the calipers move freely.
Correct:
If the shop tells you that you need brake pads and new rotors don’t be surprised.
Correct:
I just need ping monitors so it’s not useful for me to sign up for a paid account (maybe in the future)!
Correct:
This is just a reminder that we need PEP forms and ratings on those associates under your charge that will be represented by Mark Russ.
Correct:
All you need bring are sheets.
Correct:
Let me know if something doesn't show up, or if you need deal numbers.
Correct:
I would like to use this for a File Export, so I only need read Permissions.
Correct:
We need team leaders, walkers and volunteers to help us reach our goal.
Correct:
If you have a jack, you need jack stands.
Correct:
I’m a developer: I need log files to troubleshooting my house
Correct:
I need ice cubes.
Correct:
They are herbivores, and need forest environments to survive.
Correct:
all they need to do is rework the weapons a little to reflect current powerlevel of troops most of them just need cost adjustments.
Correct:
Sandy bottoms without rocks need pyramid weights.
Correct:
My black shoes need heel repairs.
Correct:
The idea behind this tool is to help us track in writing the multitude of work we need cost estimates on.
Correct:
... but they need gas utilities in California opposed interstate capacity expansions into the state.
Correct:
All animals and some plants need trace amounts of selenium.
Correct:
I need text files for my domain certificate, how can I get them?
Correct:
If I need Shield stones, I don’t want other stones, keys or souls inflating the price.
Correct:
"In the short term, we need price caps," Gov. Davis has said to state legislators.
Correct:
If you need code samples, I can zip up the storybook code and send it to your email.
Correct:
But it turns out the Pentagon has plenty of folks who need satellite phones, particularly in the Navy.
Correct:
We need cost increases in the frequency of the testing.

Incorrect:
I hope that they try accelerate this process.

Correct:
I hope that they try to accelerate this process.
Incorrect:
I needed use subtitles on my video.

Correct:
I needed to use subtitles on my video.
Incorrect:
Did the technicians try use oil?

Correct:
Did the technicians try to use oil?
Incorrect:
She really needs buy a new car.

Correct:
She really needs to buy a new car.
Incorrect:
I am trying bring some sanity to this project.

Correct:
I am trying to bring some sanity to this project.
Incorrect:
The technician needs bring washers.

Correct:
The technician needs to bring washers.
Incorrect:
You know she tried do that, don't you?

Correct:
You know she tried to do that, to don't you?
Incorrect:
I think you will want install the SpringScanner software.

Correct:
I think you will want to install the SpringScanner software.
Incorrect:
They just want be important people!

Correct:
They just want to be important people!
Incorrect:
We can try write access courses in sociology and media studies.

Correct:
We can try to write access courses in sociology and media studies.
Incorrect:
She wants include the following information in the proposal:

Correct:
She wants to include the following information in the proposal:
Incorrect:
Step 3: Try Add a Device for Testing.

Correct:
Step 3: Try To Add a Device for Testing.
Incorrect:
Add a bit of CSS to get the font and style you want Encode any special characters in the copied text as HTML entities.

Correct:
Add a bit of CSS to get the font and style you want To Encode any special characters in the copied text as HTML entities.
Correct:
I hope that they try to accelerate this process.
Correct:
We all want better television.
Correct:
Nor should CBM be standardized because needs vary region to region.
Correct:
Men's wants become greater in proportion to the increase in their income.
Correct:
If needs be lay it on a bit thick.
Correct:
Our higher needs become more important.
Correct:
If any further clarification is needed please feel free to contact me.
Correct:
Please if any more information is needed please call me x34710.
Correct:
If it is not what you wanted please let me know.
Correct:
If further information is needed please feel free to contact me.
Correct:
... that may have additional needs please let me know.
Correct:
If it is not what you wanted please let me know.
Correct:
If you need any research needs please contact Avril Forster X58768...
Correct:
He wants auto-renew turned off.
Correct:
I think you will want install SpringScanner.

Common mistake Use 'to' before the base form of a verb

Common English Grammar Mistakes

Using "to" with Infinitive Verbs

Using "to" with Modal Verbs

Using "to" for Indirect Object Verbs

Use 'to' before the base form of a verb mistake examples

Related mistakes from category Grammar