Verbs: infinitive

 

Infinitive is the base form of a verb. It names an action or state but it cannot show person, number, or mood.

 

Infinitives may be used with the particle ‘to’ in front of it (‘full infinitive’) or without ‘to’ (‘bare infinitive’):

 

full infinitive	bare infinitive
to be to have to make to sleep to go	be have make sleep go

 

Full infinitives may be used in a sentence in several ways:

 

1) as a subject of a sentence

• To err is human, to forgive divine.

 

2) in a phrase that expresses some purpose or intent

• My plan is to go to the zoo tomorrow.

 

3) after an indirect object

• My secretary told me to call you back.

 

4) after certain other verbs, like attempt, choose, decide, hope, manage, plan, promise, refuse, seem, and more:

• She attempted to find a free place in the hall.
• I hope to meet you here next month.
• Mike promised to be more attentive at school.

 

Bare infinitives are used:

 

1) after modal verbs (except for ought to, have to, be to)

• You should wear a warm coat.

 

2) after will/shall

• I shall call her tomorrow.

 

3) after verbs of perception

• She heard the door close.

 

4) after the verbs let, make, have

• Let him behave the way he wants.

 

5) after the expressions would rather/had better

• I would rather go to the cinema.

 

6) to form imperatives

• Enjoy your stay at our hotel!
• Pass me the salt, please.