What is an infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb plus the word to.
Some examples of infinitives are to run, to think, and to be.
How are infinitives used?
Infinitives are not the main verb in a clause. They function more as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
Let’s look at some example sentences with infinitives.
I like to swim.
In this example, the infinitive to swim is the object of the verb like. It is the thing that is liked.
This is the best house to buy.
The infinitive to buy is acting as an adjective that modifies the noun house.
I exercise to lose weight.
Here the infinitive phrase to lose weight acts as an adverb that modifies the main verb exercise. This provides a reason for the action. The above example answers the question, “Why do you exercise?” These types of constructions using infinitives are known as infinitives of purpose.
What is a bare infinitive?
A bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without to. Some grammar resources do not differentiate between infinitives (to eat) and bare infinitives (eat), which can cause some confusion. Bare infinitives can be used with auxiliary verbs and modal auxiliary verbs, or they can also be used after the direct object of verbs of the senses (see, hear, feel) and action verbs like make, help and let.
Let’s look at some example sentences with bare infinitives.
We can’t stay long.
The bare infinitive stay is used with the modal auxiliary verb can.
I saw the thief take my phone.
The bare infinitive take is used with the verb saw.
Learn more about different types of verbs
Learning about different kinds of verbs can enhance your understanding of English.
Verb
(run, think, was)
Regular Verb
(wanted, play, loved)
Irregular Verb
(eat, seen, lain)
Auxiliary Verb
(did, have, are)
Phrasal Verb
(give up, go through, look after)
Modal Auxiliary Verb
(might, should, could)
Infinitive
(to see, to fly, to run)
Bare Infinitive
(see, fly, run)
Phrasal Verb
(give up, go through, look after)
Modal Auxiliary Verb
(might, should, could)
Transitive Verb
(give, buy, tell)
Intransitive Verb
(sleep, run, sigh)
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