Infinitive Verbs: Types, Examples, and Exercise

What Is an Infinitive Verb?

An infinitive verb is the base form of a verb, often preceded by “to.” For example, in the sentence “I want to go,” “to go” is the infinitive. However, the “to” is sometimes omitted, resulting in what is known as a bare infinitive or zero infinitive.

To clarify further, here are definition of infinitive verb according to leading dictionaries:

• Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, which can be used with or without “to.”
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: An infinitive is a verb form that resembles the first person singular, can function partly as a noun, and retains some verb characteristics. It is typically used with “to,” except when paired with auxiliary verbs and certain other verbs.
• Collins English Dictionary: An infinitive is a verb form that is not inflected for tense or person. It usually appears with “to” and can function as a noun.

Understanding the meaning of infinitive verb along with these definitions and examples lays the groundwork for the next section, where we'll explore the different types with further examples.

Types of Infinitive Verbs with Example

There are two primary types of infinitives based on whether they include “to” or not:

1. Full Infinitive (To-Infinitive)

Definition: The full infinitive, also known as the to-infinitive, consists of the word “to” followed by the base form of a verb.

Function: The to-infinitive can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence.

a) As a Noun: It can act as the subject or object of a sentence.

For example:

• "To travel the world is my biggest dream."
• "She hopes to succeed in her exams."

b) As an Adjective: It can modify a noun or pronoun by providing more information.

For example:

• "There are many places to explore in this city."
• "She taught her students to appreciate poetry."

c) As an Adverb: It can modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often indicating purpose or reason.

For example:

• "He went to the store to buy groceries."
• "She studied hard to pass the test."

2. Bare Infinitive (Zero Infinitive)

Definition: The bare infinitive, also known as the zero infinitive, uses the base form of the verb without “to.”

Function: The bare infinitive often follows a modal verb (can, could, will, would, should, may, must, might), certain verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, watch), and causative verbs (make, let).

For example: "He can sing beautifully."

“I heard her call his name."

3. Other Infinitive Forms (Beyond the Basic Two)

In addition to the full (to + verb) and bare (verb only) infinitives, other forms of the infinitive include:

• Continuous Infinitive: Expresses an ongoing action, formed with “to be + ing form of the verb.”
• Perfect Infinitive: Indicates an action that has been completed, formed with “to have + past participle.”
• Perfect Continuous Infinitive: Emphasizes the duration of a completed action, formed with “to have been + ing form of the verb.”
• Passive Infinitive: Indicates that the subject receives the action, formed with “to be + past participle.”

These constructions utilize verbs to indicate different tenses and voices. Read the next section to learn about the characteristics and grammar rules for using these verbs.

Key Characteristics and Grammar Rules for Using Infinitive Verbs

Infinitives are a fundamental part of English grammar, acting as versatile verb forms that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. To understand the key characteristics and rules for infinitive verb in English grammar, read below:

Key Characteristics

• Infinitives use the simplest form of a verb, such as “to run” or “to eat.”
• The word “to” usually precedes the infinitive, such as “to play” or “to study.” This is known as the “to-infinitive” or “full infinitive.”
• Infinitives are non-finite verbs, meaning they don’t show tense or person. Their form doesn’t change based on the subject, unlike finite verbs.
• Infinitive verbs can act as:
• Nouns: Used as the subject or object of a sentence.
• Adjectives: They modify nouns or pronouns, providing additional information.
• Adverbs: They explain why an action is being performed, often indicating purpose.

Grammar Rules

• Most infinitives are formed with “to” + the base form of the verb.
• Some verbs, particularly modal verbs (can, could, may, might, shall, etc.), use the bare infinitive (the base form without “to”).
• Use “not to” before the infinitive to create a negative form.
• Form the perfect infinitive with “to have” + past participle to indicate an action completed before another action.
• Use “to be” + past participle to indicate that the subject receives the action.

Now that you understand the key characteristics and use of infinitive verb in a sentence, the next section will cover some of the most common verbs followed by infinitives.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Infinitives (to + base verbs) are often used with certain verbs in English. Here’s a common infinitive verb list in English grammar:

Get to know the most common verbs followed by infinitives. To understand this concept more clearly, please read the next section, which includes sentence examples along with explanations of their functions.

Example of Infinitive Verbs in Sentences

Here are some infinitive verb examples in sentences, along with explanations of their functions:

Infinitive Verb as Noun

• To learn a new language is exciting. (The infinitive “to learn” acts as the subject of the sentence.)
• She wants to study in the UK. (“To study” is the direct object of the verb “wants.”)
• His dream is to become an engineer. (“To become” functions as a subject complement, describing the subject “dream.”)
• She wants to travel the world. (“To travel” functions as the direct object of the verb “wants.”)
• To err is human; to forgive is divine. (“To err” and “to forgive” both act as subjects, representing general actions.)

Infinitive Verb as Adjective

• She has an assignment to finish. (“To finish” describes what kind of assignment it is, modifying the noun “assignment.”)
• I found a place to stay. (“To stay” modifies “place,” describing what kind of place.)
• We brought food to eat during the trip. (“To eat” modifies “food,” explaining what kind of food it is.)
• I have a lot of work to do. (“To do” modifies the noun “work,” explaining the nature of the work.)
• The best method to use is the hands-on method. (“To use” describes the noun “method,” indicating its purpose.)

Infinitive Verb as Adverb

• I am happy to help you. (“To help” explains why I’m happy, modifying the adjective “happy.”)
• They ran fast to win the race. (“To win” indicates purpose, modifying the verb “ran.”)
• She opened the window to let in fresh air. (“To let” explains the reason for the action, modifying “opened.”)
• They saved money to buy a new bike. (“To buy” explains the reason behind saving money.)
• To do well in college, one must study diligently. (“To do well” modifies the verb “must study,” indicating the purpose of the action.)

Bare Infinitive

(Bare infinitive refers to the infinitive without “to,” used after certain verbs or structures.)

• We saw him leave the room. (“Leave” is a bare infinitive following the perception verb “saw.”)
• I heard her sing beautifully. (“Sing” is a bare infinitive following the verb “heard.”)
• Let him speak. (“Speak” is a bare infinitive used after the causative verb “let.”)
• You must clean your room. (“Clean” is a bare infinitive following the modal verb “must.”)
• She can swim ten laps. (“Swim” is a bare infinitive after the modal verb “can.”)

These infinitive verb examples illustrate the versatile nature of infinitives, which can perform various functions within a sentence, enriching its meaning and structure.

Infinitive Verb Exercises with Answers

Fill in the blanks: Choose the right verb and use it in the correct infinitive form (to + verb or bare infinitive).

1. He decided __________ (move) abroad.

2. They made us __________ (wait) outside.

3. I need a laptop __________ (complete) my project.

4. She came early __________ (help) with the arrangements

5. We heard the baby __________ (cry) in the other room.

6. Shikha has come __________ (meet) Ruchi.

7. Don’t forget __________ (sign) the documents.

8. The little boy was terrified __________ (jump) into the river.

9. Isha didn’t continue __________ (work) for a long time.

10. The college has agreed __________ (postpone) the final examination.

 Answers

1. He decided to move

2. They made us to wait

3. I need a laptop to complete my project.

4. She came early to help with the arrangements.

5. We heard the baby cry in the other room.

6. Shikha has come to meet

7. Don’t forget to sign the documents.

8. The little boy was terrified to jump into the river.

9. Isha didn’t continue to work for a long time.

10. The college has agreed to postpone the final examination.

Conclusion

Summing up, this blog covered the concept of the infinitive verb. After reading it, you should have a better understanding of their meanings, types, common verbs followed by infinitives, and their importance. You have also completed an exercise. If you still have questions related to any topic in English, such as auxiliary verbs, tenses, interrogative sentences, demonstrative adjectives, or anything else feel free to contact our experts at Gradding.com. They are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you don’t have to struggle alone.

FAQs

1. What Is the Difference Between Infinitive Verbs and Finite Verbs?

Finite verbs serve as the main verb in a sentence, indicating tense and agreeing with the subject. In contrast, infinitive verbs, also known as non-finite verbs, do not show tense and are often preceded by "to." They cannot stand alone as the main verb in a sentence.

2. How Many Infinitive Verbs Can You Use in a Sentence?

There is no limit to the number of infinitive verbs you can use in a single sentence, although using too many can make it difficult to understand.

3. What Is the Difference Between a To-Infinitive and a Prepositional Phrase?

The main difference lies in their structure and function. An infinitive consists of "to" followed by the base form of a verb and can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Prepositional phrases begin with a preposition (e.g., "to," "on," "in," etc.) followed by a noun or pronoun, functioning primarily as adjectives or adverbs.

4. How Do Infinitives Work in Language?

Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often preceded by "to" (for example, "to eat," "to sleep," or "to tour"). They function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence, rather than serving as the main verb. Infinitives do not indicate tense on their own and require a finite verb in the sentence.

5. What Is the Difference Between Gerunds and Infinitives?

Gerunds and infinitives are both verb forms used as nouns. A gerund is the "-ing" form of a verb, while an infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to." Both can function as subjects or objects in a sentence, but they differ in their use after prepositions and in certain specific verb constructions.