Infinitives are a fundamental part of English grammar that can sometimes puzzle even advanced learners. Understanding how to use infinitives correctly can greatly enhance your language skills, making your speech and writing more precise and versatile. This comprehensive guide delves into the various usages, forms, and nuances of infinitives in English.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the sentence “I want to eat,” the infinitive is “to eat.” Infinitives can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence, making them incredibly versatile. There are two main types of infinitives: the full infinitive (to + verb) and the bare infinitive (verb without “to”).
Full Infinitives
Full infinitives are the most common type and are used in various grammatical structures. They can serve different functions in a sentence, including:
1. As the Subject of a Sentence
While not very common in everyday spoken English, using an infinitive as the subject of a sentence is grammatically correct and often found in written English.
Example:
– To read is to voyage through time.
In this example, “To read” serves as the subject of the sentence.
2. As the Object of a Sentence
Infinitives frequently act as objects, following certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
Example:
– She decided to leave.
Here, “to leave” is the object of the verb “decided.”
3. After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are often followed by infinitives. These verbs can include, but are not limited to, agree, decide, hope, learn, plan, promise, and want.
Example:
– I hope to see you soon.
4. After Adjectives
Infinitives can also follow adjectives to provide more information about the noun or pronoun.
Example:
– It is important to exercise regularly.
In this case, “to exercise” follows the adjective “important” to explain what is important.
5. To Show Purpose
Infinitives can be used to indicate the purpose of an action.
Example:
– She went to the store to buy milk.
Here, “to buy” shows the purpose of “went.”
6. In Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases consist of the infinitive verb and any complements or modifiers.
Example:
– He found a way to solve the problem.
In this sentence, “to solve the problem” is an infinitive phrase that modifies “a way.”
Bare Infinitives
Bare infinitives are less common but equally important. They appear without the preceding “to” and are used after certain verbs, modal verbs, and expressions.
1. After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs like can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would are followed by bare infinitives.
Example:
– She can swim.
2. After Certain Verbs of Perception
Verbs of perception such as see, hear, feel, watch, and notice are followed by bare infinitives.
Example:
– I saw him leave the building.
3. After Expressions with “Make” and “Let”
The verbs make and let are followed by bare infinitives.
Example:
– She made him apologize.
– Let him go.
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when a word, usually an adverb, is placed between “to” and the verb. While some traditional grammarians frown upon split infinitives, they are increasingly accepted in modern usage, especially when they improve clarity or add emphasis.
Example:
– She decided to boldly go where no one had gone before.
In this example, “boldly” splits the infinitive “to go.”
Infinitives in Passive Voice
Infinitives can also be used in the passive voice, where the action is performed on the subject rather than by the subject.
Example:
– The book is to be read by everyone.
Here, “to be read” is a passive infinitive phrase.
Common Mistakes with Infinitives
Understanding how to use infinitives correctly can prevent common errors. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Using the Wrong Form
Mixing up full and bare infinitives is a common mistake. Remember that after modal verbs, you should use the bare infinitive.
Incorrect:
– She can to swim.
Correct:
– She can swim.
2. Splitting Infinitives Unnecessarily
While split infinitives are becoming more accepted, avoid them if they make the sentence awkward or confusing.
Awkward:
– She decided to quickly, and without hesitation, go.
Better:
– She decided to go quickly and without hesitation.
3. Forgetting the Infinitive Marker “To”
Certain verbs require the full infinitive, and omitting “to” can lead to errors.
Incorrect:
– I want eat.
Correct:
– I want to eat.
4. Misplacing Infinitive Phrases
Ensure that infinitive phrases are placed correctly in the sentence to avoid confusion.
Confusing:
– I have a lot of work to do before the meeting to finish.
Clearer:
– I have a lot of work to finish before the meeting.
Advanced Uses of Infinitives
As you become more comfortable with basic infinitive usage, you can explore more advanced constructions.
1. Infinitives with Perfect Aspect
The perfect infinitive (to have + past participle) is used to indicate that the action of the infinitive happened before the action of the main verb.
Example:
– She claims to have seen the movie already.
In this example, “to have seen” indicates that the seeing occurred before the claiming.
2. Infinitives with Continuous Aspect
The continuous infinitive (to be + present participle) is used to indicate an ongoing action.
Example:
– He seems to be running late.
Here, “to be running” shows an ongoing action.
3. Infinitives in Reported Speech
Infinitives are commonly used in reported speech to convey what someone said or thought.
Example:
– She said that she wanted to leave.
In direct speech, this would be: “I want to leave,” she said.
4. Infinitives with Interrogative Words
Infinitives can follow interrogative words like what, where, how, and whether to form indirect questions or to express uncertainty.
Example:
– I don’t know what to do.
Here, “what to do” follows the interrogative word “what.”
Exercises to Practice Infinitives
To master the use of infinitives, practice is essential. Here are a few exercises you can try:
1. Identify the Infinitives
Underline the infinitives in the following sentences:
1. I need to call my friend.
2. She hopes to finish her homework soon.
3. They agreed to meet at the park.
4. He decided to take a nap.
2. Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct form of the infinitive to complete each sentence:
1. She wants ___ (to learn/learn) French.
2. He made her ___ (to apologize/apologize) for the mistake.
3. I can ___ (to play/play) the guitar.
4. They decided ___ (to go/go) on a trip.
3. Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using infinitive phrases:
1. It is important that you study for the exam.
2. She was happy when she received the gift.
3. They were eager because they wanted to start the project.
4. He was surprised when he saw the results.
Conclusion
Infinitives play a crucial role in English grammar, offering flexibility and depth to your language skills. By understanding their various forms and functions, you can use them effectively in both written and spoken English. Whether you are forming simple sentences or constructing complex phrases, mastering infinitives will enhance your ability to communicate clearly and accurately. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that using infinitives becomes second nature.
