Why sometimes we use “to” in front of some main verbs?, like:
I want to go to the movies.
I asked him to stay for a while.
While others not:
I can go with you if you want. (not: TO go)
I might receive my payment next week.
Is there a rule for this kind of behavior or am I missing something obvious here?
[color=darkred]Why sometimes we use “to” in front of some main verbs?, like:
[color=red]I want to go to the movies.
‘go’ is not the main verb. It is the infinitive verb ‘to go’.
The main verb is ‘want’.
[color=indigo]“Mummy, I want an ice cream!”
[color=red]I asked him to stay for a while.
‘asked’ is the main verb. ‘to stay’ is the infinitive verb
[color=darkred]While others not:
[color=red]I can go with you if you want.
‘can’ is an auxiliary verb ( one of the modals) and the main verb is ‘go’
[color=red]I might receive my payment next week.
‘might’ is the modal verb, and ‘receive’ is the main verb.
Don’t confuse ‘to’ the preposition (“Give it to me”) and infinitive verbs, ‘to sit’, ‘to swim’, ‘to eat’ etc.)
***** NOT A TEACHER *****
Hello, Ainspeed:
If I understand you correctly, you feel that “I can go with you if you want TO GO” is NOT correct English.
In my OPINION, it CAN be correct SOMETIMES.
I have written two sentences, which I believe are correct:
“I can go with you if you want.” = If you want ME to go with you, I can.
“I can go with you if you want TO GO.” =If you decide that you want to go, I can go with you.
James
I understood Ainspeed to be referring to:
[color=red]I can go with you if you want.
BUT NOT :[color=brown]I can to go with you if you want.
[color=red]I might receive my payment next week.
BUT NOT : [color=brown]I might to receive my payment next week.