Table of Contents
1. What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by the word “to.” It expresses the idea of an action or state without specifying the subject or tense. Infinitives are versatile and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
For example:
- To run (noun): Running is good for your health.
- To eat (adjective): He has some food to eat.
- To study (adverb): She stayed up late to study for the exam.
2. The Bare Infinitive
The bare infinitive, also known as the base form of a verb without the word “to,” is used in various situations. Let’s take a closer look at its uses:
Use 1 – After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are helping verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, necessity, or obligation. When a modal verb is used, the main verb that follows it takes the bare infinitive form.
For example:
- I can swim.
- She must leave.
- They should go.
Use 2 – After Certain Verbs
Certain verbs, such as “make,” “let,” and “help,” are followed by the bare infinitive without “to.”
For example:
- She made him apologize.
- Let me show you around.
- They helped us move.
Use 3 – After Perception Verbs
Perception verbs like “see,” “hear,” “watch,” and “feel” are often followed by the bare infinitive.
For example:
- I saw her dance.
- He heard the birds sing.
- We watched them play.
3. The Full Infinitive
The full infinitive includes the word “to” before the base form of the verb. It is used in various contexts. Let’s explore its uses:
Use 1 – as the Subject of a Sentence
The full infinitive can function as the subject of a sentence, expressing a general idea or action.
For example:
- To travel is my passion.
- To learn a new language takes time.
- To succeed requires hard work.
Use 2 – After Adjectives
Adjectives can be followed by the full infinitive to provide additional information or describe someone’s ability, desire, or purpose.
For example:
- She is happy to help.
- He is eager to learn.
- They are ready to go.
Use 3 – After Nouns
Nouns can be followed by the full infinitive to express the purpose or intention behind the noun.
For example:
- A book to read during the vacation.
- A tool to fix the broken chair.
- An opportunity to seize.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference lies in the presence of the word “to.” The bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without “to,” while the full infinitive includes “to” before the base form. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and grammar rules.
Certainly! Here are some additional examples of bare infinitives:
- Please let me know.
- They saw him leave.
- We can hear the birds chirp.
Determining whether to use a bare or full infinitive requires understanding the specific grammar rules and contexts. Practice, exposure to the language, and seeking guidance from reliable sources will help you develop a better understanding of their usage.
Yes, English grammar has exceptions for almost every rule! While we’ve covered the general uses of bare and full infinitives, there may be certain verbs or phrases that deviate from these patterns. It’s always a good idea to consult grammar references or style guides for specific cases.
Absolutely! Infinitives have noun-like qualities and can serve as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. They allow us to express ideas and concepts without specifying a subject or tense.
To improve your understanding and usage of infinitives, it’s beneficial to read and listen to English in various contexts. Engaging with authentic materials, such as books, articles, and movies, will expose you to different sentence structures and help you develop an intuitive sense of when to use infinitives.
