Complex Object is used with the following verbs in the following constructions:
1. Verbs of assumption, (mental activity) + reporting
Verb + Object + to + Infinitive
to expect, to suppose, to believe, to consider, to find, to know, to think, to state, to note, to report etc.
E.g. Our boss expects us to finish the project this week.
I believe this composer to be a genius.
Everybody knew Tom to be very reliable.
2. Verbs of wish, desire and liking/disliking
Verb + Object + to + Infinitive
to want, to wish, to desire, would like, hope, to like, to dislike, to hate etc.
E.g. I would like you to call me as soon as possible.
His parents want him to study abroad.
I want them to tell me the truth.
Do they hope him to study here?
I hate him to be so rude.
3. Verbs of permission and compulsion
- verb+ Object+ to+Infinitive
allow, permit, order
E.g. Our teacher always allows us to express our ideas freely.
The headmaster permitted the pupils to arrange a concert in the hall.
The police ordered him to stand.
- make, let + Object+bare Infinitive (V1)
E.g. Mom made him clean his room.
Parents let us play all day.
4. Verbs of sensual perception
to see, to watch, to notice, to observe, to feel, to hear etc.
- Verb + Object + bare Infinitive (V1) (a single action/ a result !)
E.g. I saw you leave the house.
I heard you say good-bye and leave.
- Verb + Object + Participle1 (Ving) (an action in progress !)
E.g. I saw you walking in the park.
I heard you telling this joke. Everyone was laughing!
Complex Object with different forms of the Infinitive (mental activity) + reporting
Active
+ Continuous Infinitive
to be Ving
I expected the kids to be sitting at home.
+ Perfect Infinitive
to have V3
They reported the plane to have landed safely.
+ Perfect Continuous Infinitive
to have been Ving
(They reported the sportsman to have been running for 3 hours. – not common!)
Passive
to be V3, to have been V3
The artist preferred his pictures to be exhibited in that gallery.
(I expected the project to have been finished. – not common!)
