Using two verbs together to add information about actions

Using an infinitive or an -ing form

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Verbs always followed by the to-infinitive

Verbs such as appear can only be followed by the to-infinitive:

The ferry appeared to veer away from the tug just before the collision. (SCMP 18/9/92)

Here are three "reality" verbs which can only be followed by the to-infinitive:

appear pretend seem

Here is a list of "effort"/"success" verbs which can only be followed by the to-infinitive:

attempt endeavour fail get manage try

Here is a list of "manner" verbs which can only be followed by the to-infinitive:

happen hesitate hurry tend venture

Here is a list of "positive causation" verbs which can only be followed by the to-infinitive:

cause compel encourage force get inspire lead pay program prompt

There is just one "prevention" verb which can only be followed by the to-infinitive, and that is forbid .

Here is a list of "facilitation" verbs which can only be followed by the to-infinitive:

allow arrange for enable permit teach train

Introduction
Verbs followed by infinitive/-ing with little change in meaning
Verbs followed by infinitive/-ing with a change in meaning
Verbs always followed by the -ing form
Verbs always followed by the to-infinitive
Verbs always followed by the bare infinitive
Verbs typically followed by the bare infinitive
Teaching implications