The infinitive is a fundamental component of English grammar that every language learner needs to master. It is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the sentence “I want to eat,” the phrase “to eat” is the infinitive. Understanding the formation and usage of the infinitive is crucial for constructing accurate sentences and conveying the intended meaning. This article will explore the formation of the infinitive in English, its different types, and the various contexts in which it is used.
Basic Formation of the Infinitive
In English, the infinitive is typically formed by placing the word “to” before the base form of a verb. For instance:
– to run
– to eat
– to study
– to be
The infinitive form remains unchanged regardless of the subject or tense of the sentence. It is the most neutral form of the verb, devoid of any conjugation or modification.
Simple Infinitives
The simplest form of the infinitive is the **bare infinitive**, which is the verb in its base form without “to.” The bare infinitive is used in specific contexts, such as after certain modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would):
– She can **dance**.
– They must **leave**.
Another context in which the bare infinitive is used is after verbs of perception (see, hear, feel) and certain causative verbs (make, let):
– I saw him **run**.
– She made me **apologize**.
Types of Infinitives
Infinitives can be classified into different types based on their form and function in a sentence. These include the **full infinitive**, **perfect infinitive**, **continuous infinitive**, and **passive infinitive**.
Full Infinitive
The full infinitive, also known as the **to-infinitive**, is formed by placing “to” before the base form of the verb. It is used in various contexts, including:
– After certain verbs: I want **to learn**.
– After adjectives: It is important **to arrive** on time.
– To express purpose: She went to the store **to buy** groceries.
Perfect Infinitive
The perfect infinitive is formed by placing “to have” before the past participle of the verb. It is used to indicate an action that was completed before another action or to express a hypothetical situation in the past:
– She seems **to have finished** the project.
– He claims **to have met** the president.
Continuous Infinitive
The continuous infinitive is formed by placing “to be” before the present participle (verb + -ing). It is used to indicate an ongoing action:
– They appear **to be working**.
– She pretends **to be studying**.
Passive Infinitive
The passive infinitive is formed by placing “to be” before the past participle of the verb. It is used when the focus is on the action being done to the subject rather than the subject performing the action:
– The book is expected **to be published** next year.
– The house needs **to be cleaned**.
Usage of the Infinitive
The infinitive can perform various functions in a sentence, acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Its versatility makes it an essential element in sentence construction.
Infinitive as a Noun
When used as a noun, the infinitive can serve as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence:
– Subject: **To travel** is my dream.
– Object: I hope **to visit** Japan.
– Complement: Her goal is **to become** a doctor.
Infinitive as an Adjective
The infinitive can also function as an adjective, modifying a noun by providing additional information:
– He has a lot of work **to do**.
– This is the best place **to study**.
Infinitive as an Adverb
As an adverb, the infinitive can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb by explaining the purpose or reason for the action:
– She came here **to help**.
– He was happy **to see** her.
Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Certain verbs in English are commonly followed by the to-infinitive. These verbs can be categorized into various groups based on their meaning and usage.
Verbs Expressing Desire or Intention
These verbs indicate a desire or intention to perform an action:
– want: I want **to learn** French.
– hope: She hopes **to travel** soon.
– plan: They plan **to move** next year.
Verbs Expressing a Decision or Offer
These verbs indicate a decision or an offer to perform an action:
– decide: He decided **to quit** his job.
– promise: She promised **to call** me later.
– agree: They agreed **to meet** at the café.
Verbs Expressing a Need or Obligation
These verbs indicate a need or obligation to perform an action:
– need: You need **to finish** your homework.
– have: I have **to leave** early.
– ought: You ought **to apologize**.
Verbs Expressing Effort or Attempt
These verbs indicate an effort or attempt to perform an action:
– try: He tried **to fix** the car.
– attempt: She attempted **to climb** the mountain.
– struggle: They struggled **to survive**.
Infinitive without ‘to’ – The Bare Infinitive
As mentioned earlier, the bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without “to.” It is used in specific contexts, which we will explore further.
After Modal Verbs
The bare infinitive is used after modal verbs to indicate possibility, ability, permission, or necessity:
– can: She can **swim**.
– must: You must **study**.
After Verbs of Perception
The bare infinitive is used after verbs of perception such as see, hear, and feel to describe actions that are observed:
– see: I saw him **run**.
– hear: She heard the baby **cry**.
After Causative Verbs
The bare infinitive is used after causative verbs like make and let to indicate that someone causes another person to perform an action:
– make: She made him **apologize**.
– let: Let me **help** you.
Special Cases and Exceptions
While the rules for forming and using infinitives are generally straightforward, there are some special cases and exceptions to be aware of.
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is placed between “to” and the verb. While traditionally considered grammatically incorrect, split infinitives are now widely accepted in modern English for clarity or emphasis:
– She decided **to quickly leave**.
– He hopes **to completely understand** the concept.
Infinitives with ‘too’ and ‘enough’
Infinitives are often used with the words “too” and “enough” to indicate an excessive or sufficient degree:
– too: She is **too tired to continue**.
– enough: He is **old enough to drive**.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase consists of the infinitive verb and its complements or modifiers. Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs:
– To **win the game** requires skill. (Noun)
– She has a book **to read**. (Adjective)
– He came **to ask a question**. (Adverb)
Negative Infinitives
To form a negative infinitive, place “not” before the infinitive:
– She decided **not to go**.
– He warned her **not to touch** the stove.
Infinitives in Different Tenses
Infinitives can also be used to indicate different tenses, providing more information about the timing of an action.
Present Infinitive
The present infinitive is the base form of the verb preceded by “to.” It indicates a general or future action:
– I want **to eat**.
– They plan **to visit**.
Perfect Infinitive
The perfect infinitive is formed by placing “to have” before the past participle. It indicates an action that was completed before another action:
– She seems **to have left**.
– He claims **to have won**.
Continuous Infinitive
The continuous infinitive is formed by placing “to be” before the present participle. It indicates an ongoing action:
– They appear **to be working**.
– She pretends **to be reading**.
Perfect Continuous Infinitive
The perfect continuous infinitive is formed by placing “to have been” before the present participle. It indicates an action that was ongoing before another action:
– She seems **to have been studying**.
– He claims **to have been waiting**.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While using infinitives is generally straightforward, learners often make common mistakes. Here are some tips to avoid them.
Using the Wrong Form
One common mistake is using the wrong form of the infinitive. For example, using the bare infinitive when the to-infinitive is required:
– Incorrect: He decided go.
– Correct: He decided **to go**.
Splitting Infinitives Unnecessarily
While split infinitives are acceptable, they should be used judiciously. Avoid splitting infinitives unless it enhances clarity or emphasis:
– Unnecessary: She decided **to quickly leave**.
– Better: She decided **to leave quickly**.
Confusing Infinitives with Gerunds
Another common mistake is confusing infinitives with gerunds (verb + -ing). Ensure you use the correct form based on the context:
– Incorrect: I enjoy **to swim**.
– Correct: I enjoy **swimming**.
Incorrect Negative Infinitives
When forming negative infinitives, ensure “not” is placed before the infinitive:
– Incorrect: She decided **to not go**.
– Correct: She decided **not to go**.
Conclusion
The infinitive is a versatile and essential element of English grammar. Understanding its formation, types, and usage is crucial for constructing accurate and meaningful sentences. By mastering the infinitive, language learners can enhance their fluency and express themselves more effectively. Remember to practice regularly and be mindful of common mistakes to improve your proficiency in using infinitives. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, a solid grasp of the infinitive will undoubtedly contribute to your overall language competence.
