Learning a new language can be both an exciting and daunting task. One of the fundamental building blocks of mastering a language is understanding and effectively using the different forms of verbs. Among these, the infinitive form is particularly important. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to using infinitive forms of verbs, especially for English language learners.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the verbs “to eat,” “to run,” and “to think,” the words “eat,” “run,” and “think” are infinitives. The infinitive form does not change to indicate tense or subject; it remains the same regardless of who is performing the action or when the action takes place.
Types of Infinitives
There are two main types of infinitives: the full infinitive (also known as the “to-infinitive”) and the bare infinitive. The full infinitive includes the word “to” followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., “to eat”), while the bare infinitive is just the base form of the verb without “to” (e.g., “eat”).
Uses of the Infinitive
Infinitives can be used in various ways in English sentences. Understanding these uses can greatly enhance your fluency and comprehension.
Infinitives as Subjects
Infinitives can function as the subject of a sentence. For example:
– To learn a new language is challenging.
– To travel the world is my dream.
In these sentences, “To learn” and “To travel” are the subjects.
Infinitives as Objects
Infinitives can also act as objects in a sentence, either as the direct object or the object of a preposition.
– I want to eat.
– She needs to study.
In these examples, “to eat” and “to study” are the direct objects of the verbs “want” and “needs.”
Infinitives after Certain Verbs
Certain verbs are commonly followed by infinitives. Some of these verbs include: agree, decide, hope, plan, promise, and want. Here are some examples:
– I agree to help you.
– They decided to leave early.
– She hopes to win the competition.
– We plan to visit Paris.
– He promised to call me.
– I want to learn Spanish.
Infinitives after Adjectives
Infinitives often follow adjectives to provide more information about why the adjective applies. For example:
– I am happy to see you.
– It is difficult to understand.
– She was surprised to hear the news.
In these sentences, the infinitives “to see,” “to understand,” and “to hear” explain why someone is happy, why something is difficult, and why someone was surprised, respectively.
Infinitives to Express Purpose
One of the most common uses of infinitives is to express purpose. In this case, the infinitive explains why something is done. For example:
– I went to the store to buy milk.
– She called to ask a question.
– He studied hard to pass the exam.
Here, the infinitives “to buy,” “to ask,” and “to pass” explain the purpose of the actions.
Infinitives after Question Words
Infinitives can follow certain question words such as how, what, where, when, and which. For example:
– I don’t know what to do.
– She asked where to go.
– He wondered how to solve the problem.
In these sentences, the infinitives “to do,” “to go,” and “to solve” follow the question words “what,” “where,” and “how.”
Special Considerations with Infinitives
While the use of infinitives can often be straightforward, there are some special considerations to be aware of.
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between “to” and the base form of the verb. For example:
– She decided to quickly leave.
– He wants to really understand.
While some traditional grammarians argue against the use of split infinitives, they are generally accepted in modern English, especially when they improve clarity or emphasize an adverb.
Infinitives without “to” (Bare Infinitives)
Some verbs are followed by a bare infinitive rather than a full infinitive. These verbs include: let, make, see, hear, feel, watch, and help. For example:
– She let him go.
– I saw her dance.
– They made him apologize.
– I heard her sing.
– We felt it move.
– They watched him play.
– He helped me understand.
In these examples, the verbs “go,” “dance,” “apologize,” “sing,” “move,” “play,” and “understand” are bare infinitives.
Infinitives in Passive Constructions
Infinitives can also appear in passive constructions. For example:
– The book is to be read by all students.
– The project is to be completed by next week.
In these sentences, “to be read” and “to be completed” are passive infinitives.
Common Mistakes with Infinitives
Understanding common mistakes can help you avoid them and use infinitives more accurately.
Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives
A common mistake is confusing gerunds (verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns) with infinitives. Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning can change. For example:
– I stopped to smoke. (I paused what I was doing in order to smoke.)
– I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit of smoking.)
Omitting “to” with Infinitives
Another common mistake is omitting “to” when it is required. For example:
Incorrect: I want go to the park.
Correct: I want to go to the park.
Using the Wrong Verb Form
Sometimes learners use the wrong verb form instead of the infinitive. For example:
Incorrect: He made me to cry.
Correct: He made me cry.
In this case, “cry” should be a bare infinitive.
Practice Exercises
To help solidify your understanding of infinitives, here are some practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Identify the Infinitives
Identify the infinitives in the following sentences:
1. I want to learn French.
2. She needs to finish her homework.
3. They hope to travel next summer.
4. He decided to take the job.
5. We plan to visit the museum.
Answers:
1. to learn
2. to finish
3. to travel
4. to take
5. to visit
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct infinitive form of the verbs in parentheses:
1. She agreed _______ (help) me.
2. I don’t know where _______ (go).
3. He promised _______ (call) me.
4. They decided _______ (leave) early.
5. We plan _______ (visit) Paris.
Answers:
1. to help
2. to go
3. to call
4. to leave
5. to visit
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. I want go to the store.
2. She made me to apologize.
3. He stopped to smoke.
4. They watched him to play.
5. We decided to leaving early.
Answers:
1. I want to go to the store.
2. She made me apologize.
3. He stopped smoking. (or He stopped to smoke depending on intended meaning)
4. They watched him play.
5. We decided to leave early.
Conclusion
Understanding and using infinitive forms of verbs is a crucial aspect of mastering the English language. Whether they function as subjects, objects, or follow certain verbs and adjectives, infinitives play a vital role in constructing meaningful sentences. By paying attention to common mistakes and practicing regularly, you can improve your fluency and accuracy in using infinitives. Keep practicing, and soon you will find yourself using infinitives naturally and effectively in your everyday conversations.
