The Infinitive In English

Introduction

The infinitive in English refers to the basic form of a verb. Understanding what the infinitive is may seem intricate at first. This article aims to demystify the infinitive, exploring its definition, types, examples, and usage in various contexts.

What Is The Infinitive In English?

The infinitive of a verb is its most elemental form, either with or without the particle “to”, known as full infinitive and bare infinitive, respectively:

• Full Infinitive: In this form, “to” precedes the verb. Examples: “to do” or “to be.”
• Bare Infinitive: This form is not used with “to” and serves as the basic, standalone infinitive, as in “do” or “be.”

Let’s explore them in more detail below!

Types of Infinitives in English

As mentioned above, there are two types of infinitives in English: bare and full infinitives.

1. Bare Infinitive in English

Here are the different uses of the bare infinitive in English:

1. The bare infinitive is used as the main verb after the dummy auxiliary verb do, or most modal auxiliary verbs (such as will, can, or should..)
   • Examples:
     • I do know him
     • I do like you.
     • I can do it.
2. Several common verbs of perception, including see, watch, hear, feel, and sense take a direct object and a bare infinitive.
   • Examples:
     • I saw it happen
     • I watched it happen
3. The bare infinitive is also used with several common verbs of permission or causation, including make, bid, let, and have.
   • Example:
     • I made/bade/let/had him do it. (However, make takes a to-infinitive in the passive voice. Example: I was made to do it.)
4. The bare infinitive is also used after had better.
   • Example:
     • You had better leave now
5. The verb help is followed by the bare infinitive.
   • Example:
     • He helped them do it. (“He helped them to do” is also possible)
6. With the word why.
   • Example:
     • Why say it?

2. Full Infinitive in English

The full infinitive in English has various functions:

• Noun Phrase: It functions as a subject or object.
  • Examples:
    • To err is human, to forgive is divine. (Subject)
    • I intended to marry her. (Object)
• Adjective or Adverb: It modifies nouns, answering questions about why or how.
  • Examples:
    • This is the game to watch. (Adjective)
    • He is ready to go. (Adverb)
• Expressing Purpose: It signifies “in order to.”
  • Examples:
    • You need to exercise regularly to lose weight.
    • He works hard to earn a lot of money.

Infinitive vs. Prepositional Phrase

It is crucial not to confuse the full infinitive and the prepositional phrase as these structures have distinct functions in a sentence.

• He went back to the beach. (“To the beach” is a prepositional phrase.)
• He decided to leave. (“To leave” is an infinitive.)

There is a clear structural difference between the prepositional phrase and the infinitive:

• Infinitive: This structure involves the base form of a verb, often accompanied by the particle “to” (“to do,” “to be”).
• Prepositional Phrase: It consists of a preposition and its object. This structure often functions to provide directional information, as seen in the example “to the beach.”

Infinitive vs. Gerund

Both infinitives and gerunds may function as nouns, either as subjects or objects in a sentence. However, understanding when to use each form enhances your proficiency in conveying precise meanings.

1. Infinitives as Nouns:

• Subject: To err is human.
• Object: She wanted to dance.

2. Gerunds as Nouns:

• Subject: Running is excellent exercise.
• Object: I enjoy swimming.

3. Interchangeability:

• In many instances, infinitives and gerunds can be used interchangeably when functioning as nouns. For example:
  • Infinitive: To sing is her passion.
  • Gerund: Singing is her passion.

4. Instances of Distinction:

• Preference for Gerunds:
  • When the action is the focus or when it emphasizes the ongoing nature.
    • Example: I enjoy swimming in the morning.
• Preference for Infinitives:
  • When expressing purpose, intention, or potential.
    • Example: She went to the store to buy groceries.

5. Cautionary Notes:

• Avoiding Ambiguity:
  • Be mindful of instances where using only one form clarifies the intended meaning.
    • Ambiguous: I like to run before breakfast. (Could mean enjoying the act or planning to run)
    • Clearer: I like running before breakfast. (Emphasizes the enjoyment of the activity)
• Certain Expressions:
  • Some verbs are naturally followed by either an infinitive or a gerund with a change in the meaning.
    • Example: He remembered to call. (Infinitive – remembering to perform the action)
    • Example: He remembered calling. (Gerund – remembering the action itself)

Exploring Forms of the Infinitive

Here are common infinitive structures:

1. Split Infinitive:

• A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or adverbial phrase is inserted between the particle “to” and the base verb. While traditionally viewed with caution, split infinitives are widely accepted in modern English.
  • Example: She decided to boldly face the challenge.

2. Passive Infinitive:

• In passive infinitives, the action is performed upon the subject rather than by the subject. The structure involves the auxiliary verb “to be” followed by the past participle.
  • Example: The decision is to be made by the committee.

3. Continuous Infinitive:

• This form represents ongoing or continuous actions and is constructed using the phrase “to be” followed by the base verb with the “-ing” suffix.
  • Example: He planned to be studying throughout the night.

4. Infinitive of Purpose:

• When the infinitive indicates the purpose or intention behind an action, it often serves to clarify the motivation.
  • Example: She visited the library to borrow some books.

5. Adjective with Infinitive (Glad to…):

• This structure combines an adjective with an infinitive.
  • Examples:
    • I am glad to assist you with your project.
    • I am eager to learn new skills in the workshop.
    • It is essential to complete the assignment on time.
    • It is necessary to understand the core concepts.
    • She is fortunate to have such supportive friends.
    • It is wonderful to explore different cultures through travel.
    • It is common for people to face challenges in their careers.
    • They are excited to participate in the upcoming event.
    • It is challenging to master a new language.
    • It is advisable to consult with a professional for guidance.
    • She is ready to tackle the difficult tasks ahead.

Understanding Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive Phrase and the Concept of Actors:

• An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive verb along with its modifiers and complements. The infinitive phrase may have an actor (the one performing the action) or lack one.
  • Example with Actor: She asked her friend to help with the assignment.
  • Example without Actor: She decided to go for a walk.

Verbs that Use Actors with Infinitive Phrases:

• Encourage: He encouraged his team to strive for excellence.
• Persuade: She persuaded him to join the event.
• Instruct: The teacher instructed the students to complete the assignment.
• Motivate: The coach motivated the players to give their best on the field.
• Advise: The financial advisor advised the clients to diversify their investments.
• Urge: I urged my friend to pursue his passion for photography.
• Allow: The manager allowed the employees to take a break after the meeting.
• Convince: She convinced her parents to support her decision to study abroad.
• Remind: Please remind your sister to pick up the groceries on her way home.
• Enable: The new software enables users to customize their profiles.
• Require: The job position requires candidates to have a strong background in marketing.
• Push: The coach pushed the athletes to give their best performance.
• Prompt: The announcement prompted students to sign up for the workshop.

Verbs that Do Not Use Actors with Infinitive Phrases:

• Seem: The solution seems to be complicated.
• Appear: The task appears to be challenging.
• Prove: The experiment proved to be successful.
• Sound: The idea sounds intriguing.
• Look: The movie looks to be entertaining.
• Feel: The fabric feels soft against the skin.
• Turn out: The event turned out to be a huge success.
• Become: Over time, the challenge became more manageable.
• End up: We might end up having to reschedule the meeting.
• Prove: The theorem proved to be more complex than anticipated.
• Appear: The situation appears to be improving.
• Remain: The mystery remains to be solved.

Verbs That Can Be Used With And Without Actors

Some verbs are versatile. They can be used both with and without an actor. Here are some examples:

• Expect:
  • With Actor: The manager expects her team to meet the deadline.
  • Without Actor: I expect to finish the project by tomorrow.
• Like:
  • With Actor: We like our employees to be punctual.
  • Without Actor: I like to take long walks in the evening.
• Want:
  • With Actor: He wants his sister to help with the presentation.
  • Without Actor: I want to explore new places this summer.
• Need:
  • With Actor: He persuaded his friend to invest in the business.
  • Without Actor: I’ll try to persuade them to reconsider.

More about the infinitive in English here.

Conclusion

In summary, the infinitive in English is the basic form of a verb. It has a versatile role in English. It may serve as a verb or function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Divided into bare and full infinitives, each type finds its place in diverse contexts.

Related Materials:

• Infinitives or gerunds
• Lesson on gerund or infinitive.
• Exercise on gerund or infinitive

FAQs