Understanding the formation of infinitives is crucial for mastering English grammar. The infinitive form of a verb is its most basic form, usually preceded by the word “to.” For example, “to eat,” “to run,” and “to think” are all infinitives. Infinitives can function in various ways within a sentence, such as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. This versatility makes them an essential component of fluent and accurate English.
Basic Structure of Infinitives
Infinitives are generally formed with the word “to” followed by the base form of a verb. This simple structure is often referred to as the “full infinitive” or “to-infinitive.” For instance, in the sentence “She wants to learn Spanish,” “to learn” is the infinitive, and it acts as the object of the verb “wants.”
However, not all infinitives include the word “to.” Sometimes, the base form of the verb is used without “to.” This is known as the “bare infinitive.” A typical example is the phrase “make him do it,” where “do” is the bare infinitive following the verb “make.”
Full Infinitives
Full infinitives (to-infinitives) are used in a variety of grammatical contexts. Here are some of the most common:
1. **As Subjects or Objects:**
– Subject: “To read is enjoyable.”
– Object: “She loves to dance.”
2. **After Certain Verbs:**
– “He decided to leave early.”
– “I hope to see you soon.”
3. **To Express Purpose:**
– “She went to the store to buy some milk.”
– “He studied hard to pass the exam.”
4. **As Adjectives:**
– “This is a book to read.”
– “There are many things to consider.”
Bare Infinitives
Bare infinitives are used in specific contexts, generally following certain verbs and expressions. Here are some examples:
1. **After Modal Verbs:**
– “You must go now.”
– “She can swim very well.”
2. **After Verbs of Perception:**
– “I saw him run across the street.”
– “We heard her sing.”
3. **After Certain Expressions:**
– “Let him try again.”
– “Help her find the way.”
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is inserted between “to” and the base form of the verb. This construction has been the subject of much debate among grammarians. Traditionalists argue that split infinitives should be avoided, while modern usage tends to be more accepting.
For example:
– Traditional: “She decided to quickly finish her homework.”
– Modern: “She decided to finish quickly her homework.”
While avoiding split infinitives can sometimes make sentences sound awkward or forced, they are perfectly acceptable in many contexts. The most important rule is clarity and readability.
Infinitives in Different Tenses
Although infinitives themselves do not have tense, they can be combined with auxiliary verbs to express different times or aspects.
Perfect Infinitive
The perfect infinitive is formed with “to have” followed by the past participle of the verb. It often indicates an action that was completed before another action.
Examples:
– “She seems to have forgotten the meeting.”
– “He claims to have seen the movie already.”
Continuous Infinitive
The continuous infinitive is formed with “to be” followed by the present participle of the verb. It indicates an ongoing action.
Examples:
– “She appears to be working hard.”
– “They seem to be enjoying themselves.”
Perfect Continuous Infinitive
The perfect continuous infinitive is formed with “to have been” followed by the present participle of the verb. It suggests an action that was ongoing up to a certain point in the past.
Examples:
– “He seems to have been waiting for hours.”
– “She claims to have been reading that book.”
Common Mistakes with Infinitives
Because infinitives are so versatile, they can sometimes be tricky to use correctly. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Using the Wrong Form
One common mistake is using the wrong form of the infinitive after certain verbs. For instance, some verbs are followed by the full infinitive, while others require the gerund (verb + -ing).
Incorrect: “She enjoys to swim.”
Correct: “She enjoys swimming.”
Splitting Infinitives Unnecessarily
While splitting infinitives is not always wrong, doing so unnecessarily can make sentences awkward.
Awkward: “He decided to carefully read the instructions.”
Better: “He decided to read the instructions carefully.”
Forgetting the ‘to’ in Full Infinitives
Sometimes learners forget to include “to” before the verb, especially after certain verbs or expressions.
Incorrect: “I need go to the store.”
Correct: “I need to go to the store.”
Infinitives and Gerunds
Understanding the difference between infinitives and gerunds (verb + -ing) is essential, as they can sometimes be used interchangeably but often follow different grammatical rules.
After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are followed by infinitives, while others are followed by gerunds. Here are some common examples:
1. Verbs followed by infinitives:
– “She wants to travel.”
– “They hope to win.”
2. Verbs followed by gerunds:
– “She enjoys traveling.”
– “They avoid winning too easily.”
Expressing Purpose
Infinitives are often used to express the purpose of an action, while gerunds are not.
Correct: “She went to the store to buy milk.”
Incorrect: “She went to the store buying milk.”
Special Cases
There are some special cases and exceptions in the formation and use of infinitives that are worth noting.
Infinitives After Adjectives
Infinitives can follow adjectives to add more information or clarify meaning.
Examples:
– “She is eager to learn.”
– “He is difficult to please.”
Infinitives After Nouns
Infinitives can also follow nouns to explain their purpose or function.
Examples:
– “He has a plan to improve the system.”
– “She made a decision to leave early.”
Infinitives with ‘Too’ and ‘Enough’
Infinitives can follow “too” or “enough” to indicate sufficiency or excess.
Examples:
– “She is too young to drive.”
– “He is strong enough to lift that weight.”
Practice and Application
The best way to master the use of infinitives is through consistent practice and application. Here are some exercises and tips to help you get started:
Rewrite Sentences Using Infinitives
Take simple sentences and rewrite them using infinitives to practice their formation and use.
Original: “She wants the job.”
Rewrite: “She wants to get the job.”
Original: “He enjoys swimming.”
Rewrite: “He enjoys to swim.”
Identify Infinitives in Texts
Read various texts and try to identify all the infinitives. This will help you become more familiar with their use in different contexts.
Write Your Own Sentences
Create sentences using infinitives in different ways (as subjects, objects, to express purpose, etc.). This will help reinforce your understanding and make you more comfortable using them in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
The formation of infinitives is a fundamental aspect of English grammar that serves multiple functions in both writing and speaking. By understanding the basic structure, different forms, and common uses of infinitives, you can greatly improve your grammatical accuracy and fluency. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to the context in which infinitives are used, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes as you learn. With time and effort, mastering infinitives will become a natural part of your English language skills.
