The infinitive form is a fundamental concept in English grammar that serves as the base form of a verb. It is crucial for language learners to understand how to use the infinitive correctly, as it appears in various contexts and structures. This article will delve into the nature of the infinitive, its types, uses, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you should have a solid understanding of how to employ infinitive forms effectively in your writing and speech.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For instance, in the verb phrase “to run,” “to” is the infinitive marker, and “run” is the base verb. This form is unmarked for tense, person, or number, making it versatile in various grammatical constructions.
There are two main types of infinitives: the bare infinitive and the full infinitive. The bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without “to” (e.g., “run”), while the full infinitive includes “to” (e.g., “to run”).
Types of Infinitives
1. Full Infinitive
The full infinitive, also known as the “to-infinitive,” is the most commonly used form. It typically appears in the following contexts:
– After certain verbs: Some verbs are followed directly by a full infinitive. Examples include “want,” “need,” “decide,” “promise,” and “hope.” For instance, “I want to eat dinner.”
– After adjectives: Infinitives often follow adjectives to express purpose or reason. For example, “She is eager to learn.”
– To express purpose: The full infinitive can indicate the purpose of an action. For example, “He went to the store to buy groceries.”
– In infinitive phrases: Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. For instance, “To win the game was his goal.”
2. Bare Infinitive
The bare infinitive, or base form without “to,” is used in specific situations, such as:
– After modal verbs: Modal verbs like “can,” “must,” “should,” and “might” are followed by a bare infinitive. For instance, “She can swim.”
– After certain verbs: Some verbs require a bare infinitive, especially in causative constructions (e.g., “make,” “let,” “see,” “hear”). For instance, “He made her cry.”
– In imperative sentences: Commands or requests often use the bare infinitive. For example, “Run!”
– In expressions with “had better” and “would rather”: These phrases are followed by a bare infinitive. For instance, “You had better leave now.”
Uses of Infinitives
Infinitives serve various functions in English sentences. Understanding these uses is key to mastering their application.
1. As Subjects
Infinitives can act as the subject of a sentence. For example:
– “To read books is enjoyable.”
– “To travel the world is my dream.”
2. As Objects
Infinitives can function as the direct object of a verb. For example:
– “She wants to learn French.”
– “He decided to move to a new city.”
3. As Subject Complements
Infinitives can serve as subject complements, providing additional information about the subject. For example:
– “His goal is to become a doctor.”
– “Her plan is to start a business.”
4. As Adjectives
Infinitives can modify nouns, acting as adjectives. For example:
– “He has a lot of work to do.”
– “There are many places to visit in Europe.”
5. As Adverbs
Infinitives can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, functioning as adverbs. For example:
– “She came here to study.”
– “He was happy to help.”
Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Certain verbs are commonly followed by infinitives. Familiarizing yourself with these verbs can help you use infinitives correctly:
– Agree: “He agreed to help.”
– Decide: “They decided to go on vacation.”
– Expect: “She expects to receive a promotion.”
– Hope: “We hope to win the game.”
– Plan: “I plan to study abroad.”
– Promise: “He promised to call me.”
Common Verbs Followed by Bare Infinitives
Some verbs are followed by a bare infinitive. Here are a few examples:
– Make: “She made him apologize.”
– Let: “Let her finish her work.”
– See: “I saw him leave the building.”
– Hear: “Can you hear the birds sing?”
– Help: “They helped me complete the project.”
Gerunds vs. Infinitives
One common challenge for language learners is knowing when to use a gerund (verb + -ing) versus an infinitive. While some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with little change in meaning, others have distinct uses:
– Verbs followed by gerunds: These include “enjoy,” “avoid,” “consider,” and “mind.” For example, “She enjoys reading.”
– Verbs followed by infinitives: These include “decide,” “hope,” “plan,” and “promise.” For example, “He decided to leave.”
– Verbs followed by both: Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning may change. For example, “I stopped smoking (I quit smoking)” versus “I stopped to smoke (I paused to have a cigarette).”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even advanced learners can make mistakes when using infinitives. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
1. Mixing Up Gerunds and Infinitives
As mentioned earlier, some verbs require gerunds while others need infinitives. Mixing them up can change the meaning of a sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. For instance, “I enjoy to read” should be “I enjoy reading.”
2. Forgetting the Infinitive Marker “to”
In full infinitives, the “to” is essential. Omitting it can lead to confusion. For example, “I want eat” should be “I want to eat.”
3. Using the Bare Infinitive Incorrectly
Remember that certain verbs and constructions require the bare infinitive. Using “to” in these cases is incorrect. For example, “She made him to apologize” should be “She made him apologize.”
4. Overusing Infinitives
While infinitives are versatile, overusing them can make your writing repetitive. Mix up your sentence structures to maintain variety and interest.
Practical Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of infinitives, try the following exercises:
1. Identifying Infinitives
In the following sentences, identify the infinitive form and its function (subject, object, adjective, adverb):
– “She wants to travel the world.”
– “To win the championship is their dream.”
– “He has a lot of work to do.”
– “They came here to study.”
2. Choosing Between Gerunds and Infinitives
Complete the sentences by choosing the correct form (gerund or infinitive):
– “She enjoys (to swim/swimming) in the ocean.”
– “They decided (to go/going) on a road trip.”
– “I stopped (to smoke/smoking) last year.”
– “He plans (to start/starting) a new business.”
3. Correcting Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
– “I want eat dinner.”
– “She made him to apologize.”
– “He decided going to the park.”
– “She enjoys to read books.”
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering the use of infinitives is essential for effective communication in English. Infinitives appear in various grammatical constructions, and knowing when and how to use them correctly can enhance both your writing and speaking skills. By recognizing the different types of infinitives, their functions, and common mistakes, you can avoid pitfalls and use infinitives with confidence.
Remember, practice is key to mastering any aspect of a language. The more you use infinitives in your sentences, the more natural they will become. So, take the time to study and apply the concepts discussed in this article, and you’ll find yourself using infinitives like a native speaker in no time. Happy learning!
