http://en.wiktionary.

org/wiki/Appendix:English_catenative_verbs

Appendix:English catenative verbs

Catenative verbs are verbs which can be followed directly by another verb variously
in the to-infinitive, bare infinitive or present participle/gerund forms. For example He
deserves to win the cup, where deserve [1] is a catenative verb which can be followed
directly by another verb, in this case in the to-infinitive form.

Most of these verbs demand that the following verb be in one or the other form only. A
few can take both forms, but sometimes there is a difference in meaning.

They are called catenative [2] from their ability to form chains. We promised to agree to
try practicing playing tennis more often.

If you are thinking of adding to this list, it is most important to distinguish between a real
catenative verb, such as decide [3] I decided to work. and a normal verb followed by an
infinitive of purpose (French: pour) or a descriptive gerund. A good example of a
non-catenative verb that could easily be confused is leave [4] where I left to work is in
reality I left (home), followed by a purpose, To go to, or do, some work. A descriptive
gerund example: She left crying. is in reality a description meaning She left and at the
same time she was crying.

[edit [5]] Followed by a to-infinitive

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afford [6] help [30]

At last I can afford to buy a new car.
Note The to is optional.
I helped to pack her bags.
agree [7]
I helped pack her bags.
He agreed to work on Saturday.

hesitate [31]
aim [8]
If you hesitate to make the
We aim to please all our clients. reservation, you could lose
the discount.
appear [9]

I appear to have forgotten my glasses. hope [32]

I hope to see my aunt this

arrange [10] week-end.

I think we can arrange to put you in a double

room. long [33]

I am longing to go to
ask [11] Paris.

He asked to leave early.

move [34] (meaning propose
[35]
attempt [12] )

This is the second time we have attempted to I move to adjourn the

climb the mountain. meeting for lunch.

be able to [13] need [36]

I need to eat my lunch.

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Note This is also considered an auxiliary modal verb offer [37]

similar to can [14], but sometimes it is used to
I offered to carry her
differentiate between general ability and a particular
suitcase for her.
situation.
Ask John. He will be able to help you.
plan [38]
Normally I can do these problems, but I am not
able to solve this one. I plan to play football this
week-end.

beg [15]
prepare [39]
I beg to differ on that point.
Always be prepared to
help others whenever you
care [16]
can.
Would you care to choose another one, sir?

pretend [40]
[17]
choose
I know you are only
I will go when I choose to go, and not before. pretending to be asleep.

condescend [18] proceed [41]

I dont know if the Senator will condescend to see He proceeded to apply the
us. lotion as instructed.

consent [19] promise [42]

He consented to pay for the dinner. I promise to tell the truth.

dare [20] refuse [43]

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I refuse to take such silly

Note This is considered a semi-modal auxiliary verb. advice.
Particularly in negative, the modal form is preferred.
He didnt dare to climb the tree.
seek [44]
He didnt dare climb the tree.
I seek to triumph over our
enemies.
decide [21]

We decided to buy the pink one in the end.

seem [45]

You seem to be rather tired

deserve [22]
today.
You dont deserve to be treated like that.

strive [46]
expect [23]
He strives to teach well.
I expect to receive the payment any day now.

struggle [47]
[24]
fail
The company will have to
I fail to understand your argument. struggle to survive the
economic downturn.
happen [25]

If it happens to fall, just put it back up again. swear [48]

I swear to tell the truth.

have [26]

tend [49]
Note have to [27] is also considered an auxiliary
It tends to snow here in
[28]
modal verb similar to must , meaning obligation winter.
[29]

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I have to go to work now. threaten [50]

He threatened to call the

police.

undertake [51]

He undertook to finish the

job in less than ten days.

wait [52]

I cant wait to see her face

when I tell her!

want [53]

I want to play the guitar.

Note (UK) usage with gerund

below.
wish [54]

I wish to complain to the

manager.

would like [55]

I would like to drink some

water.

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[edit [56]] In the passive voice followed by a to-infinitive

Note These verbs are not found in catenative form with to-infinitive except in the passive
voice [57], as they place the object between the two verbs when used actively.

allowed [58]

You are allowed to wear jeans here.

forbid [59]

You are forbidden to smoke in here.

permit [60]

But you are permitted to smoke in here.

request [61]

You are requested to leave immediately.

require [62]

You are required to leave now.

[edit [63]] Followed by a gerund

admit [64] miss [84]

He admitted taking the money. I miss playing football with my friends.

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advise [65] need [85]

I advise leaving immediately.

Note (US) usage. Means require [86] or want
[87].
allow [66]
That door needs painting.
We do not allow smoking here.

permit [88]
appreciate [67]
Do they permit smoking in here?
I would appreciate receiving
more help with this.
practise [89] (universal, especially UK and

avoid [68] Commonwealth), practice [90] (US)

Please avoid touching the goods I like to practise playing the piano every
on display. day.

can't help [69] quit [91]

I cant help liking the way he I wish I could quit smoking.

smiles.
recall [92]
complete [70] I recall meeting you at the convention in
I have completed painting the New York.
kitchen.
recommend [93]
consider [71] I can recommend washing your clothes
Have you considered working at with this product.
the factory?

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delay [72] regret [94]

We had to delay travelling

Note This verb is found with to infinitive in
because of the weather.
some set phrases. See next section.
I regret telling him about the party now.
deny [73]

I deny taking the money. resent [95]

I resent seeing him enjoying himself as if

detest [74]
nothing has happened.
I detest working on Sundays.

resist [96]
dislike [75]
How can you resist eating those lovely
I dislike working on Saturdays. chocolates?

enjoy [76] resume [97]

I enjoy watching snooker on the We will resume discussing this matter
TV. tomorrow.

escape [77] risk [98]

He escaped being run over by We cant risk working in the dark.
about a millisecond!

stand [99]
finish [78]

When you finish painting the Note This verb is most commonly found in
shed, let me know. the form cant stand [100].
I cant stand walking in the rain.

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forbid [79] suggest [101]

They forbid smoking in the I suggest asking your teacher about it.
restaurant.
tolerate [102]
imagine [80] I wont tolerate swearing in this office.
Can you imagine winning the
lottery? want [103]

imply [81] Note (UK) usage. Means require [104] or need

This plan implies buying an [105].
expensive piece of equipment. That door wants painting.

keep [82] give up [106]

I didn't get anything so I kept
trying my best. Note Catenative phrasal verbs in general are
followed by the gerund.
I gave up smoking last year.
mind [83]

Would you mind closing the

window, please?

[edit [107]] Followed by a to-infinitive or a gerund

[edit [108]] No difference in meaning

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bear [109]

Note This verb is most commonly found in the form cant bear [110].
I cant bear to hear him sing.
I cant bear hearing him sing.

begin [111]

It began to rain.
It began raining.

bother [112]

He didn't bother to ask for permission.

He didn't bother asking for permission.

continue [113]

It continued to rain.
It continued raining.

disdain [114]

He disdained to speak with us.

He disdained speaking with us.

intend [115]

I intend to finish this.

I intend finishing this.

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like [116]

I like to eat pilaf.

I like eating pilaf.

Note: See also section "Difference in meaning", where the "to" infinitive sometimes has
a specific meaning.
love [117]

I love to swim in the sea.

I love swimming in the sea.

neglect [118]

I neglected to paint behind the cupboard.

I neglected painting behind the cupboard.

prefer [119]

I prefer to work alone.

I prefer working alone.

regret [120]

Note This verb is normally followed by the gerund, except in certain set phrases with
tell [121], say [122], and inform [123].
I regret inviting him to the party now.
I regret to tell you that the show has been cancelled.
I regret to have to inform you that your brother has had a serious accident.

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start [124]

I started to learn Spanish three years ago.

I started learning Spanish three years ago.

[edit [125]] Difference in meaning

come [126]

I came to realise that things were not as they seemed. (I underwent a slow
realisation.)
I asked her to come dancing (I invited her.)

go [127]

They went to see a movie. (That is why they went.)*

They have gone fishing. (Go is used with sports activities ending -ing.)

go on [128]

After a long career Ken went on to be a manager. (He changed to a different more
prestigious activity.)
Some goalkeepers go on playing until they are 40. (They continue doing the same
activity.)

go round [129]/ go around [130]

He went (a)round to see if she was OK. (He went to one place.)*
He went (a)round saying terrible things about her. (He went to lots of different

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places saying terrible things about her.)

get [131]

Successful actors often get to go to film premires for free. (They have the
privilege.)
Get going! (Hurry up!)

forget [132]

I forgot to go to the shopping centre. (I remember that it is something I meant to do

but didnt do.)
I forget going to the shopping centre. (I cannot remember the experience of going to
the store.)
Don't forget to lock the door when you go out. (Compare remember below.)

like [133]

I like to go to the dentist every 6 months. (I have the custom. I do not necessarily
enjoy it.)
I like going to the cinema every week. (An activity that I enjoy.)

mean [134]

I meant to tell her yesterday, but I forgot. (Intention. I intended to tell her.)
The promotion will mean moving to a new area. (Signify. Imply)

need [135]

I need to paint the house. (I need to do the activity .)

The house needs painting. (The activity needs to be done to the house.)

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remember [136]

I remembered to lock the door. (I did not forget that I was supposed to lock the
door, and I locked it.)
I remember locking the door. (I can remember that I did this activity.)
Remember to lock the door when you go out.

propose [137]

I propose to open up a little shop. (I have the intention of doing something)

I propose going to that nice little restaurant by the beach. (I suggest, or make a
proposal, for a group activity.)

stop [138]

Note Many sources state that this has two meanings. But some sources state that it is
nothing more than ellipsis [139] of the first activity in gerund form, as context will
always allow us to know what activity has stopped, followed by an infinitive of purpose
[140].

I stopped driving.
I stopped to drink some coffee. (This could be an ellipsed form of I stopped driving.
followed by the purpose to drink some coffee.)*

try [141]

I tried to open the door, but it was locked. (I attempted and failed in an activity.)
I tried opening the door. Then I tried opening the window. (I made an attempt or
experiment. Neither success nor failure is implied.)

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* In these cases, the to can be considered an ellipsis of in order to or an infinitive of

purpose [142].

[edit [143]] Followed by a bare infinitive

dare [144]

Note This is considered a semi-modal auxiliary verb. Particularly in negative, the modal
form is preferred.
He darent climb the tree.
He didnt dare to climb the tree.
He didnt dare climb the tree.

help [145]

Note The to is optional.

I helped to pack her bags.
I helped pack her bags.

go [146] / come [147]

Note This is most common in American English. In other varieties, and [148] is
generally inserted between the two words.
Come and go are not used this way except in their bare forms, ie, not *He went/came sit
with her. or *He goes/comes sit with her. or *He is going/coming sit with her. or *He
had gone/come sit with her.
Go clean your room.

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Go and clean your room.

I cant go watch that movie.
I cant go and watch that movie.
Come sit with me.
Come and sit with me.

1. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/deserve

2. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/catenative

3. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/decide

4. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/leave

5. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=1

6. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/afford

7. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/agree

8. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/aim

9. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/appear

10. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/arrange

11. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ask

12. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/attempt

13. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/be_able_to

14. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/can

15. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/beg

16. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/care

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17. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/choose

18. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/condescend

19. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/consent

20. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dare

21. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/decide

22. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/deserve

23. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/expect

24. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fail

25. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/happen

26. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/have

27. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/have_to

28. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/must

29. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/obligation

30. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/help

31. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hesitate

32. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hope

33. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/long

34. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/move

35. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/propose

36. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/need

37. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/offer

38. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/plan

39. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/prepare

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40. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pretend

41. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/proceed

42. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/promise

43. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/refuse

44. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/seek

45. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/seem

46. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/strive

47. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/struggle

48. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/swear

49. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tend

50. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/threaten

51. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/undertake

52. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/wait

53. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/want

54. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/wish

55. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/would_like

56. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=2

57. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/passive_voice

58. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/allowed

59. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/forbid

60. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/permit

61. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/request

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62. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/require

63. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=3

64. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/admit

65. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/advise

66. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/allow

67. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/appreciate

68. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/avoid

69. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/can%27t_help

70. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/complete

71. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/consider

72. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/delay

73. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/deny

74. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/detest

75. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dislike

76. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/enjoy

77. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/escape

78. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/finish

79. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/forbid

80. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/imagine

81. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/imply

82. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/keep

83. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mind

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84. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/miss

85. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/need

86. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/require

87. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/want

88. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/permit

89. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/practise

90. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/practice

91. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quit

92. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/recall

93. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/recommend

94. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/regret

95. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/resent

96. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/resist

97. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/resume

98. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/risk

99. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/stand

100. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=can%E2%80%99t_stand&action=edit&redlink=1

101. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/suggest

102. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tolerate

103. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/want

104. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/require

105. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/need

106. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/give_up

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107. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=4

108. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=5

109. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bear

110. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=can%E2%80%99t_bear&action=edit&redlink=1

111. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/begin

112. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bother

113. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/continue

114. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/disdain

115. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/intend

116. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/like

117. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/love

118. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/neglect

119. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/prefer

120. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/regret

121. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tell

122. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/say

123. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/inform

124. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/start

125. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=6

126. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/come

127. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/go

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128. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/go_on

129. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/go_round

130. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/go_around

131. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/get

132. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/forget

133. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/like

134. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mean

135. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/need

136. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/remember

137. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/propose

138. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/stop

139. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ellipsis

140. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/infinitive_of_purpose

141. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/try

142. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/infinitive_of_purpose

143. http://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Appendix:English_catenative_verbs&
action=edition=7

144. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dare

145. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/help

146. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/go

147. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/come

148. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/and

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