The Infinitive

Hello, students! Today, let’s talk about something exciting and important in English grammar: infinitives! Infinitives are a special form of verbs, and they are very helpful when we want to express actions in general. Are you ready to explore infinitives? Let’s get started! 😊

What Is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb. Most of the time, we add the word to before the verb to create the infinitive form. For example:

• • To play, to eat, to sleep, to learn.

Infinitives can be used as:

• • Nouns – To read is fun.
  • Adjectives – I have a book to read.
  • Adverbs – She went to the library to read.

Think of infinitives as a way to talk about actions in general without actually performing them.

Why Do We Use Infinitives?

Infinitives are useful when:

• You want to talk about an action but not actually do it.
• Example: I want to run fast.
• You need to describe the purpose or reason for something.
• Example: She studies hard to succeed.
• You want to add more detail to a sentence.
• Example: He is happy to help you.

Types of Infinitives

There are two main types of infinitives:

1. Full Infinitives (To-Infinitives)

2. Bare Infinitives (Without ‘to’)

Let’s explore them!

1. Full Infinitives (To-Infinitives)

This is the most common form. It’s created by adding to before the base verb, like this:

• • To eat, to sing, to study.

When do we use full infinitives?

1. To show purpose or intention

• • She works hard to achieve her dreams.
  • We left early to catch the bus.

2. As the subject of a sentence

• • To travel is my favorite hobby.
  • To be honest is always the best policy.

3. After adjectives

• • I’m happy to see you.
  • This question is difficult to answer.

4. With certain verbs
Some verbs are always followed by full infinitives, like:

• • Want: I want to play.
  • Need: She needs to study.
  • Hope: We hope to win.

5. With ‘too’ or ‘enough’

• • He’s too tired to walk.
  • She’s strong enough to lift the box.

Bare Infinitives (Without ‘to’)

Sometimes, we use the verb in its base form without to. These are called bare infinitives.

When do we use bare infinitives?

1. After modal verbs

• • I can dance.
  • She should try.
  • We must go now.

2. After certain verbs like let, make, and help:

• • Let me explain.
  • They made him cry.
  • Can you help me find my bag?

3. With ‘why’ in questions

• • Why wait here?
  • Why not ask for help?

Special Uses of Infinitives

1. Split Infinitives
Sometimes, an adverb is placed between to and the verb, like this:

• • To boldly go where no one has gone before.
    While some people avoid split infinitives, they are perfectly acceptable in modern English when they make the sentence clearer.

2. Passive Infinitives
Use to be + past participle to show that the subject is receiving the action.

• • He wants to be praised.
  • The room needs to be cleaned.

3. Continuous Infinitives
Use to be + verb ending in -ing to show ongoing actions.

• • She seems to be studying.
  • They claim to be working on the project.

Infinitives vs. Gerunds

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun. Infinitives and gerunds can often be used in the same place, but sometimes only one is correct.

Examples:

• • I like to swim. = I like swimming.
  • He enjoys swimming. (Correct)
  • He enjoys to swim. (Incorrect)

When to use infinitives vs. gerunds?

• • Use gerunds after prepositions: She’s thinking about going.
  • Use infinitives with certain verbs: She wants to go.

Examples of Infinitives in Sentences

1. To read improves your vocabulary. (Noun)

2. This is the book to read. (Adjective)

3. She stayed late to finish her homework. (Adverb)

4. We need to focus on our goals.

5. Let me help you. (Bare infinitive)

Practice Time!

Let’s find the infinitives in these sentences:

1. She wants to learn how to play the guitar.

2. They must complete the task by tonight.

3. He’s ready to start his new job.

4. Why wait when we can leave now?

5. I’m happy to see you again.

Answers:

1. to learn

2. complete (bare infinitive)

3. to start

4. wait (bare infinitive)

5. to see

Final Tips for Using Infinitives

1. Understand the context: Is the infinitive acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb?
2. Learn the common verbs that are followed by infinitives or gerunds.
3. Practice makes perfect! The more you use infinitives, the easier they will become.