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Lesson Plan May 16, 2025

Topic: Infinitive Clauses

An infinitive clause is part of a sentence with a verb in the infinitive form. The infinitive form is sometimes without ‘to’, and we form negative infinitives with ‘not to’ + verb.

Section A: verb + (infinitive / verb) + object

After verbs such as advise, allow, ask, expect, force, get, hate, like, love, invite, need, pay, persuade, tell, want

• Jake loves to visit museums.

• I don’t want you to read my emails.

• I advised him not to come to the party.

Section B: Infinitive clauses that function as the subject of a sentence

These sentences are usually formal or old-fashioned English

• To make mistakes is human.

• To say that he was here is simply not true

In information or neutral English, we say

• It’s human to make mistakes.

• It’s simply not true to say that he was here

Section C: Noun + infinitive

• Do you have a pen to write with?

• I’d like something to drink.

Section D: Explaining ‘why’ we do something

• He opened the box to see what was inside.

• He got home early to cook dinner.

• They went to the station to buy a ticket.

Section E: verb + object + infinitive without ‘to’

After verbs such as help, let, make, watch, see, hear, have

• Can you help me make dinner?

• I saw him leave the house.

• I won’t let you stay.

Section F: ‘for’ + (noun / pronoun) + infintive

If an infinitive has its own subject, we something use this structure

• It’s important for you to arrive early. (= It’s important that you arrive early)

• It’s necessary for him to stop.

• It’s bad for you to eat too much chocolate.

• It’s a good idea for him to arrive early.

• I’d like something for my son to drink.

• I made this sandwich for you to eat on the train.

• We had to go to the station for John to buy a ticket. (= We had to go to the station so that John could buy a ticket.)

Lesson Notes

Words & Phrases

• We spent the morning planning outdoor improvements for the house.

• We were busy this morning planning outdoor home improvements.

• The forecast for the coming week looks like the rainy season!

• The weather forecast for next week feels like the start of the rainy season!

• Which one do you feel better in, the rainy season or the very hot summer?

• Do you feel better during the rainy season or in the really hot summer?

• Which do you prefer, the rainy season or really hot summer weather?

Appropriate Language

• If you had to choose, which would you prefer, the rainy season or really hot summer weather?

• “I’d choose the rainy season. I don’t like extreme heat.”

• “Probably the hot summer. At least I can go swimming!”

• “The rainy season. It’s cooler, even if it’s wet.”

• “I think I’d rather have a hot summer. Rainy days make me feel lazy.”

• “Neither is great, but I guess I prefer the rainy season.”

• “Really hot summer weather! I love sunshine and blue skies.”

Infinitive Clauses

• I can show you the best way to paint your walls.

• Meaning: I’m able to show you — I have the ability or knowledge.

• Tone: Polite, offering help or support.

• I will show you the best way to paint your walls.

• Meaning: I’m going to do it — I’ve decided or promised to show you.

• Tone: More direct, certain, or confident.

• Would you like me to call you?

• Polite offer or suggestion, when you’re asking what someone wants you to do

• Do you like me to call you?

• Less natural,  Sounds like you’re asking if the person generally enjoys or prefers when you call them (as a habit or behaviour)

• “Can you tell Peter not to call me anymore?” is natural and common.

• “Can you tell Peter to not call me anymore?” is more emphatic and direct; used to stress the action you’re asking Peter not to do