Understanding Infinitives: A Complete Grammar Guide
What is an Infinitive?
Infinitives are a special form of verbs that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb[cite: 105]. They are usually made by adding the word 'to' before the base verb[cite: 106].
The Oxford Learner's Dictionary defines an infinitive as "the basic form of a verb, such as be or run"[cite: 107]. Unlike standard verbs, infinitives are not limited by tense, person, or number[cite: 108]. They are used without any change, regardless of the subject or the tense of the sentence[cite: 108].
Types of Infinitives
Infinitive verbs are divided into two main categories based on how they appear in a sentence[cite: 115]:
1. Bare Infinitives [cite: 117]
Bare infinitives are verbs that are used in their base form and do not function as a verb[cite: 119]. They typically occur after verbs such as 'see', 'watch', 'hear', and 'feel', and also after modal verbs such as 'need', 'can', 'should', 'must', 'may', 'might', 'would', 'could', and 'will'[cite: 120].
- I heard the car arrive before I saw it[cite: 122].
- I can wait for the results[cite: 197].
- Oliver made me share my lunch with him[cite: 199].
2. Full Infinitives [cite: 118]
Full infinitives, also known as to-infinitives, are the most common infinitives in writing[cite: 124]. You create a full infinitive by taking the base form of a verb and adding 'to' in front of it[cite: 125].
- You can teach me to play[cite: 127].
- We have to wait there[cite: 127].
Note: In the sentence "I want to see you cook," 'want' is the main verb, 'to see' is the full infinitive, and 'cook' is the bare infinitive[cite: 128, 129, 131].
Functions of Infinitives
Functioning as a Noun
An infinitive can act as a noun, appearing as the subject or direct object of a sentence[cite: 136]. It can also appear as a subject complement following a linking verb[cite: 137]. Tip: You can check if an infinitive acts as a noun by replacing it with the word "something"[cite: 144].
- Subject: To dream requires incredible courage[cite: 138].
- Direct Object: He wanted to cry[cite: 140].
- Subject Complement: Our aim is to improve[cite: 142].
Functioning as an Adjective
Infinitives can be placed after any noun in a sentence, acting as an adjective to describe a subject or an object[cite: 149, 150].
- Describing a Subject: The best person to consult is your counselor[cite: 152].
- Describing an Object: The teacher assigned several exercises to complete[cite: 154].
Functioning as an Adverb
Infinitives can also be adverbial, modifying any verb in a sentence to tell the reader why the action is necessary[cite: 159, 160].
- Before Main Clause: To do well in college, one must study diligently[cite: 161].
- After Main Clause: We tell stories to teach lessons[cite: 162].
- I climbed the mountain to see the view[cite: 188].
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