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Which one of this two sentences is correct?

  • I need you to help me do this job
  • I need you to help me to do this job

Can you also provide me some explanation?

2 Answers 2

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This is a licensing matter, which is discussed in a little more detail here. Briefly, the types of construction which you may employ in subordinate clauses are determined by the verb which the clause complements: each verb licenses (permits) some types of construction and prohibits others.

In your example, the constructions licensed by the verb need are those with a marked infinitive (to + VERB) :

 I need to help you.
 I need you to help me.
 I need for you to help me. ... BUT NOT
I need you help me.

In contrast, the verb help licenses constructions with the bare infinitive:

 Help me do this job.

At one time, help also licensed constructions with the marked infinitive, but this use is less common today, and has an old-fashioned ring.

?Help me to do this job.

It’s not exactly wrong, and you should not be disturbed if you encounter it; but I recommend that you restrict yourself to constructions with the unmarked infinitive.

Note that this is entirely different from constructions in which to acts as a preposition rather than an infinitive marker:

 John helped his father to his feet. ... meaning John helped his father rise
 John helped us to London. ... meaning John helped us make our way to London


marks an utterance as unacceptable? marks an utterance as possibly unacceptable

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Some verbs are commonly followed by an object and the base form of another verb. Verbs are let, make, have, help. Examples:

Please HELP me call people.

Could you HAVE her text me?

Some verbs are commonly followed by an object and an infinitive. Verbs are invite, ask, tell, remind. Examples:

Could you REMIND them to come early?

I INVITED you to come.

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