Using two verbs together to add information about actions
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Using an infinitive or an -ing form | page 7 of 8 |
Verbs typically followed by the bare infinitive
When used in active voice, there is a small number of verbs which are typically followed by the bare infinitive:
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Note that these verbs are all intransitive 
when used with the bare infinitive.
Note that dare and need are sometimes referred to as semi-modal verbs .
These verbs present particular problems, in that need is followed by the bare
infinitive only when negative (and not always then); also, dare and need can
both be used as "full" verbs, in which case they can both be followed by the to-infinitive:
Maybe he needs to go on a long holiday to seek fresh pastures of inspiration. (SCMP 16/3/93)
He dares to paint something that is, simply, of no consequence.
(Microconcord Corpus A)
For further information about dare, see 
Indicating
obligation and willingness: Using the semi-modal dare to indicate willingness.
For further information about need, see Indicating
obligation and willingness: Using semi-modal verbs to indicate obligation.
To see a relevant teacher's question about structures associated with go, click
on this icon 
.
When go is used in double-verb structures, it is typically followed by the bare infinitive (especially when giving orders):
"Go get that oil," his father said. (Bank of English)
However, two other forms are also possible, one in which and links the two verbs:
If you can't afford bloodworm you can always go and collect it.
(Bank of English)
and one in which the to-infinitive is used:
The thinking is based upon serious misconceptions of what lecturers do, by people who rarely go to check to see if their perceptions are correct.
(Bank of English)
Note that go is usually followed by the -ing form when referring to
sports and hobbies 
.
For further information about this, see Representing actions
with nouns: Reasons for representing actions with nouns.
Verbs typically followed by the bare infinitive
