The infinitive form of a verb is one of the most fundamental concepts in English grammar and in many other languages as well. Understanding how to use the infinitive correctly can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and accurately. This article delves into the various uses, forms, and nuances of the infinitive, providing comprehensive guidance for language learners.
What is the Infinitive?
The infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” Examples include “to run,” “to eat,” and “to be.” However, in certain contexts, the infinitive can appear without the “to” and is then referred to as the “bare infinitive.” For instance, after modal verbs like “can” or “must,” we use the bare infinitive: “can go,” “must see.”
Using the Infinitive
Infinitive with “to”
The “to” infinitive is commonly used in various grammatical constructions:
1. **As the Subject of a Sentence:**
– To learn a new language is challenging.
– To swim in the ocean is exhilarating.
2. **As the Object of a Verb:**
– She wants to travel.
– He needs to finish his homework.
3. **To Express Purpose:**
– She went to the store to buy milk.
– He studied hard to pass the exam.
4. **After Certain Adjectives:**
– It is important to arrive on time.
– She is eager to start her new job.
5. **With Certain Nouns:**
– She had a plan to improve her skills.
– He made an effort to understand the lesson.
Bare Infinitive
The bare infinitive, which is the infinitive form without “to,” is used in specific contexts:
1. **After Modal Verbs:**
– She can swim.
– He must leave.
2. **After Certain Verbs of Perception:**
– I saw her dance.
– We heard him sing.
3. **With the Verb “Make” and “Let”:**
– They made him apologize.
– She let him go.
4. **After “Had Better” and “Would Rather”:**
– You had better listen.
– I would rather stay.
Common Verbs Followed by the Infinitive
There are several verbs in English that are commonly followed by the infinitive. These verbs can often serve as a useful guide for knowing when to use the infinitive form. Some of these verbs include:
1. **Agree:** She agreed to help us.
2. **Decide:** They decided to move to a new city.
3. **Hope:** I hope to see you soon.
4. **Learn:** He is learning to play the guitar.
5. **Manage:** She managed to finish the project on time.
6. **Promise:** He promised to call me later.
7. **Refuse:** They refused to participate.
8. **Want:** I want to go home.
Infinitives vs. Gerunds
A common challenge for language learners is distinguishing between when to use an infinitive and when to use a gerund (the -ing form of a verb). While some verbs can be followed by both forms, the meaning can change depending on which form is used.
For example:
– **Remember to do something** (infinitive) refers to remembering to perform an action in the future.
– Remember to lock the door.
– **Remember doing something** (gerund) refers to recalling an action that has already happened.
– I remember locking the door.
Other verbs that exhibit similar differences include “stop,” “try,” and “forget.”
Verbs Followed by Both Infinitive and Gerund with a Change in Meaning
1. **Stop:**
– **Stop to do something:** Pause one activity to begin another.
– He stopped to drink water.
– **Stop doing something:** Cease the activity.
– He stopped drinking water.
2. **Try:**
– **Try to do something:** Make an effort to accomplish a task.
– She tried to finish her homework.
– **Try doing something:** Experiment with an action to see if it solves a problem.
– She tried restarting her computer.
3. **Forget:**
– **Forget to do something:** Fail to remember to perform a future action.
– He forgot to send the email.
– **Forget doing something:** Fail to recall a past action.
– He forgot sending the email.
Infinitive without “to” (Bare Infinitive)
As mentioned earlier, there are specific instances where the infinitive form is used without “to.” Let’s delve deeper into some of these contexts.
After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They are followed by the bare infinitive:
– She can dance very well.
– We must leave immediately.
– You should see a doctor.
– They might come to the party.
Verbs of Perception
When verbs of perception such as “see,” “hear,” “feel,” “watch,” and “notice” are used, the bare infinitive follows:
– I saw him run across the street.
– She heard the baby cry.
– They felt the ground shake.
After “Make” and “Let”
The verbs “make” and “let” are followed by the bare infinitive:
– The teacher made the students stay after class.
– She let her friend borrow her car.
After “Had Better” and “Would Rather”
The expressions “had better” and “would rather” are also followed by the bare infinitive:
– You had better finish your homework.
– I would rather go to the beach than stay home.
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is inserted between “to” and the verb. For example: “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Split infinitives have been a topic of debate among grammarians. While some consider them to be grammatically incorrect, others accept them, especially when they enhance clarity or emphasis.
Examples of Split Infinitives
1. **To fully understand** the concept, you need to study more.
2. She decided **to gradually reduce** her working hours.
3. He promised **to always be** there for her.
In many cases, avoiding a split infinitive can make a sentence sound awkward or less natural. The key is to prioritize clarity and readability.
Negative Infinitives
To form a negative infinitive, place “not” before the infinitive:
1. **To not go** to the party was a difficult decision.
2. She decided **not to attend** the meeting.
3. He promised **not to tell** anyone.
Negative infinitives are used to express actions that should not or will not be performed.
Perfect Infinitives
The perfect infinitive is formed by placing “to have” before the past participle of a verb. It is used to indicate actions that were supposed to happen or to express regret about past actions:
1. **To have finished** the project on time would have been a great achievement.
2. She was happy **to have met** him.
3. He regretted **not to have studied** more for the exam.
Passive Infinitives
The passive infinitive is formed by using “to be” followed by the past participle of a verb. It is used to express actions that are received by the subject rather than performed by the subject:
1. The project needs **to be completed** by next week.
2. She hoped **to be chosen** for the role.
3. He wanted **to be remembered** for his contributions.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase is a group of words that includes an infinitive and any modifiers or complements. Infinitive phrases can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence:
1. **To win the championship** was their ultimate goal. (Noun)
2. She has the ability **to solve complex problems**. (Adjective)
3. He worked hard **to achieve his dreams**. (Adverb)
Infinitive phrases add depth and detail to sentences, making them more informative and expressive.
Examples of Infinitive Phrases
1. **To improve her English skills**, she practiced every day. (Adverb)
2. The decision **to cancel the event** was not taken lightly. (Noun)
3. He found a place **to relax and unwind**. (Adjective)
Common Mistakes with Infinitives
Even advanced learners can make mistakes with infinitives. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. **Using the Gerund Instead of the Infinitive:**
– Incorrect: She wants going to the park.
– Correct: She wants to go to the park.
2. **Forgetting to Use the Infinitive After Certain Verbs:**
– Incorrect: He decided leave early.
– Correct: He decided to leave early.
3. **Misplacing “to” in Split Infinitives:**
– Incorrect: She decided to quickly run to the store.
– Correct: She decided to run quickly to the store.
4. **Confusing Infinitive and Bare Infinitive Forms:**
– Incorrect: He can to swim.
– Correct: He can swim.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of infinitives, here are some practice exercises. Try to complete the sentences using the correct form of the infinitive.
1. She hopes ________ (to travel) to Europe next summer.
2. They made him ________ (apologize) for his mistake.
3. He decided ________ (not attend) the meeting.
4. We want ________ (finish) the project by tomorrow.
5. You had better ________ (study) for the exam.
Answers:
1. She hopes **to travel** to Europe next summer.
2. They made him **apologize** for his mistake.
3. He decided **not to attend** the meeting.
4. We want **to finish** the project by tomorrow.
5. You had better **study** for the exam.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering the use of the infinitive is essential for anyone looking to improve their English. The infinitive form plays a crucial role in sentence structure and meaning, and its correct usage can significantly enhance your communication skills. Whether you are using the “to” infinitive, the bare infinitive, or more complex forms like the perfect or passive infinitive, being aware of the rules and nuances will make you a more proficient and confident language user.
As you continue your language learning journey, remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the contexts in which infinitives are used. With time and effort, you will find yourself using infinitives naturally and accurately in your conversations and writing.
