What is the verb + infinitive?
Some verbs are always followed by to + the base form of another verb. We call this the verb + infinitive pattern. It appears constantly in aviation news when reporters describe plans, decisions, and goals.
The most common verbs in this pattern are: want, plan, decide, need, hope, expect, agree, and choose.
How the pattern works
The formula is simple:
Subject + verb + to + base form
Look at these sentences from commercial aviation:
- Riyadh Air wants to fly to 100 cities by 2030.
- The airline plans to become a major international hub.
- The captain decided to stop for a fuel check at Abu Dhabi.
- Ground crews need to check the aircraft before every departure.
The key rule: after these verbs, always use to + base form — never to + -ing and never just -ing.
✖ Riyadh Air wants flying to London. ✔ Riyadh Air wants to fly to London.
Spot the mistake
Each sentence below has one mistake with the verb + infinitive. Find the mistake and write the correct sentence.
- Riyadh Air wants flying to 100 cities by 2030.
- The captain decided stopping at Abu Dhabi for fuel.
- The airline plans to becoming the biggest carrier in the Gulf.
- Saudi Arabia hopes to creating a new aviation hub.
- All passengers need to charging their phones before boarding.
- Do you expect arriving in London before 8 a.m.?
CEFR Level A2 / ICAO Level 3
Once you are comfortable with the verb + infinitive, Structure: ‘verbs + verbs 4’ takes the next step — it shows how some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or the gerund, and how the choice changes the meaning.