Learning a new language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. One of the fundamental aspects of mastering any language is understanding its verbs and their various forms. In this article, we will delve into the concept of verb infinitives, a crucial component in English grammar. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to polish your language skills, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of verb infinitives, their usage, and their importance in constructing meaningful sentences.
What is a Verb Infinitive?
A verb infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the phrases “to eat,” “to run,” and “to be,” the words “eat,” “run,” and “be” are infinitives. Infinitives are not bound by tense and do not change form to indicate past, present, or future. They are often used to express actions, states, or conditions in a general sense.
Types of Infinitives
There are two main types of infinitives in English: the full infinitive and the bare infinitive.
1. **Full Infinitive**: This is the most common type and is usually preceded by “to.” For example:
– I want to learn Spanish.
– She needs to study for her exams.
2. **Bare Infinitive**: This form does not include “to” and is often used after certain verbs, modal verbs, and expressions. For example:
– He can sing beautifully.
– They must leave now.
Uses of Infinitives
Infinitives serve various functions within a sentence. They can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Infinitives as Nouns
When infinitives act as nouns, they can be the subject or the object of a sentence. For example:
– To read is my favorite hobby. (Subject)
– She likes to dance. (Object)
In these examples, “to read” and “to dance” function as the subject and object of the sentences, respectively.
Infinitives as Adjectives
Infinitives can also describe nouns, thus functioning as adjectives. For example:
– I have a lot of work to do.
– She is the one to watch in the competition.
In these examples, “to do” and “to watch” describe the nouns “work” and “one,” respectively.
Infinitives as Adverbs
When infinitives modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, they function as adverbs. For example:
– He went to the store to buy some groceries.
– She woke up early to exercise.
In these sentences, “to buy” and “to exercise” modify the verbs “went” and “woke up,” indicating the purpose of the actions.
Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Certain verbs are commonly followed by infinitives. These verbs often express desires, plans, or intentions. Here are some examples:
– I hope to travel next year.
– They plan to visit their grandparents.
– She decided to learn French.
Other common verbs that are typically followed by infinitives include: agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, choose, decide, expect, fail, help, hope, learn, manage, offer, plan, prepare, promise, refuse, seem, and want.
Verbs + Object + Infinitive
Some verbs require an object before the infinitive. For example:
– I advised him to wait.
– She told me to leave.
In these examples, “him” and “me” are the objects that come before the infinitives “to wait” and “to leave.”
Infinitives Without “to” (Bare Infinitives)
While full infinitives (with “to”) are more common, bare infinitives are used in specific contexts. Here are a few scenarios where bare infinitives are appropriate:
After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs such as can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, and would are followed by bare infinitives. For example:
– She can sing beautifully.
– They might come to the party.
After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are followed directly by bare infinitives. These verbs include let, make, see, hear, feel, watch, and help (although “help” can also be followed by a full infinitive). For example:
– Let him go.
– I saw her run.
After Expressions with “Why” and “How”
Bare infinitives are also used after expressions that include “why” and “how.” For example:
– Why waste time?
– She showed us how to make a cake.
Special Cases and Exceptions
As with many grammatical rules, there are exceptions and special cases when it comes to infinitives. Here are a few worth noting:
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between “to” and the verb. For example:
– She wants to really understand the topic.
– He decided to quickly finish his work.
While split infinitives are often considered less formal, they are widely accepted in modern English, especially when they improve the clarity or flow of a sentence.
Infinitives with Passive Voice
Infinitives can also be used in the passive voice. For example:
– She wants to be recognized for her efforts.
– The proposal needs to be reviewed by the committee.
In these examples, “to be recognized” and “to be reviewed” are passive infinitives.
Negative Infinitives
When negating an infinitive, “not” is placed before the infinitive. For example:
– He decided not to go to the party.
– She asked him not to speak during the presentation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding and using infinitives correctly can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives
A common mistake is confusing gerunds (verb + -ing) with infinitives. While both can function as nouns, they are used differently depending on the verb. For example:
– She enjoys reading. (Correct)
– She enjoys to read. (Incorrect)
Verbs like “enjoy,” “suggest,” and “avoid” are followed by gerunds, not infinitives. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with which verbs take gerunds and which take infinitives.
Using the Wrong Infinitive Form
Another common mistake is using the wrong form of the infinitive. For example:
– I need to study for the exam. (Correct)
– I need study for the exam. (Incorrect)
Remember that most verbs require the full infinitive (with “to”), while only specific verbs and modal verbs use the bare infinitive.
Forgetting the Object Before the Infinitive
When using certain verbs that require an object before the infinitive, learners often forget to include the object. For example:
– I told him to wait. (Correct)
– I told to wait. (Incorrect)
Always ensure that the object is placed correctly before the infinitive when required.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of infinitives, here are some practice exercises:
1. Identify the infinitive in the following sentences:
– She hopes to visit her family soon.
– They decided to join the club.
2. Rewrite the sentences using the correct infinitive form:
– He wants (learn) Spanish.
– She made him (apologize).
3. Choose the correct form (gerund or infinitive):
– I enjoy (to read/reading) books.
– They plan (to travel/traveling) to Europe.
Conclusion
Verb infinitives are an essential part of English grammar, serving various functions within sentences and playing a crucial role in conveying meaning. By understanding the different types of infinitives, their uses, and common mistakes, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively. Practice regularly, pay attention to the verbs that require infinitives, and soon you’ll find yourself using them naturally and confidently. Happy learning!
