Grammar

Causative Verbs 

Certain verbs can be used to express a causal relationship between the subject and object in a sentence. Some of them require a "to" while others do not.

With "to"
S + V + O + to V (O)

• I allowed Jim to clean up the mess.
• I asked Jim to clean up the mess.
• I told Jim to clean up the mess.

Without "to"
S + V + O + V (O)

• I let Jim clean up the mess.
• I had Jim clean up the mess.
• I made Jim clean up the mess.

Infinitive clauses

An infinitive phrase will begin with an infinitive [to + simple form of the verb]. It will include objects and/or modifiers. 
Example:

• To smash a spider.
• To kick the ball past the dazed goalie.
• To lick the grease from his shiny fingers despite the disapproving glances of his girlfriend Gloria.

Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Example:

• To finish her shift without spilling another pizza into a customer's lap is Michelle's only goal tonight.
• To finish her shift without spilling another pizza into a customer's lap functions as a noun because it is the subject of the sentence.
• Lakesha hopes to win the approval of her mother by switching her major from fine arts to pre-med.
• To win the approval of her mother functions as a noun because it is the direct object for the verb hopes.
• The best way to survive Dr. Peterson's boring history lectures is a sharp pencil to stab in your thigh if you catch yourself drifting off.