The infinitive form is one of the most versatile and fascinating aspects of the English language. It is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” Understanding the use and function of infinitives is crucial for mastering English, whether you are a native speaker or learning it as a second language. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to infinitives, covering their forms, uses, and various nuances.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by the particle “to.” For example, in the phrase “to run,” “to” is the particle, and “run” is the base form of the verb. However, infinitives can appear without “to,” known as bare infinitives. An example of this would be in the phrase “make him run,” where “run” is the bare infinitive.
Types of Infinitives
Infinitives can be classified into two main types:
1. **Full Infinitive (To-infinitive):** This is the most common form and includes the particle “to” followed by the base form of the verb. Examples include “to eat,” “to sleep,” and “to be.”
2. **Bare Infinitive:** This form appears without the particle “to.” It is used in specific grammatical contexts, such as after modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) and certain other verbs like “let” and “make.”
Uses of Infinitives
Infinitives serve multiple functions in English sentences. They can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, depending on their placement and role within the sentence.
Infinitives as Nouns
When infinitives act as nouns, they can function as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence.
– **Subject:** In this role, the infinitive appears at the beginning of the sentence. For example, “To read is enjoyable.” Here, “to read” is the subject of the sentence.
– **Object:** Infinitives can also serve as the object of a verb. For example, “She likes to swim.” In this case, “to swim” is the object of the verb “likes.”
– **Complement:** Infinitives can function as complements, providing more information about the subject or object. For instance, “His goal is to win.” Here, “to win” complements the subject “goal.”
Infinitives as Adjectives
Infinitives can modify nouns, acting as adjectives. These infinitives usually follow the noun they modify.
– Example: “She has a lot of work to do.” In this sentence, “to do” modifies the noun “work.”
Infinitives as Adverbs
Infinitives can also function as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
– **Modifying Verbs:** “He ran to catch the bus.” Here, “to catch” explains why he ran.
– **Modifying Adjectives:** “She is eager to learn.” In this sentence, “to learn” modifies the adjective “eager.”
– **Modifying Adverbs:** “He spoke too softly to be heard.” Here, “to be heard” modifies the adverb “softly.”
Common Expressions with Infinitives
Certain expressions in English frequently use infinitives. These expressions often start with words like “how,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “whether,” and “why.”
– **Example:** “I don’t know what to say.” In this sentence, “what to say” is an infinitive expression.
Infinitives After Certain Verbs
Many verbs in English are followed by infinitives. Some of the most common include:
– **Agree:** “She agreed to come.”
– **Decide:** “They decided to leave.”
– **Hope:** “I hope to see you soon.”
– **Plan:** “We plan to travel next month.”
– **Want:** “He wants to learn Spanish.”
Special Cases and Nuances
English, being the rich and complex language that it is, has several special cases and nuances when it comes to infinitives.
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is placed between “to” and the base form of the verb. While traditional grammar rules often discourage this, split infinitives are increasingly accepted in modern usage for clarity or emphasis.
– **Example:** “She used to secretly admire him.” Here, “secretly” splits the infinitive “to admire.”
Infinitive Without “To” (Bare Infinitive)
As mentioned earlier, bare infinitives are used in specific contexts. Here are some common scenarios:
– **After Modal Verbs:** “She can sing.”
– **After Verbs of Perception:** “I saw him run.”
– **After “Make” and “Let”:** “They made him apologize.”
Infinitives with Passive Voice
Infinitives can also be used in the passive voice, generally in formal contexts.
– **Example:** “He is expected to arrive soon.” Here, “to arrive” is the passive infinitive.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive verb and any complements or modifiers. Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, just like single infinitives.
– **Example as Noun:** “To win the game is their goal.” Here, “To win the game” is the subject of the sentence.
– **Example as Adjective:** “She has a book to read.” In this sentence, “to read” modifies the noun “book.”
– **Example as Adverb:** “He saved money to buy a car.” Here, “to buy a car” modifies the verb “saved.”
Infinitives in Different Tenses
While infinitives are generally considered the base form of a verb, they can be modified to reflect different tenses and aspects.
Perfect Infinitive
The perfect infinitive is formed using “to have” followed by the past participle of the verb. It is used to indicate actions that were completed before another action.
– **Example:** “She claims to have seen it.” Here, “to have seen” indicates that the seeing happened before the claiming.
Continuous Infinitive
The continuous infinitive is formed using “to be” followed by the present participle of the verb. It is used to indicate ongoing actions.
– **Example:** “He seems to be sleeping.” Here, “to be sleeping” indicates an ongoing action.
Perfect Continuous Infinitive
The perfect continuous infinitive is formed using “to have been” followed by the present participle of the verb. It is used to indicate actions that were ongoing in the past but are now complete.
– **Example:** “She seems to have been crying.” Here, “to have been crying” indicates an action that was ongoing in the past.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding infinitives is crucial, but it’s also easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them.
Misplacing Infinitives
One common mistake is misplacing infinitives within a sentence, leading to confusion or awkward phrasing.
– **Incorrect:** “She asked me to quickly finish the work.”
– **Correct:** “She asked me to finish the work quickly.”
Using the Wrong Form
Another frequent error is using the wrong form of the infinitive, especially when distinguishing between full and bare infinitives.
– **Incorrect:** “I can to swim.”
– **Correct:** “I can swim.”
Neglecting to Use the Infinitive
Sometimes, learners forget to use the infinitive form after certain verbs, leading to grammatical errors.
– **Incorrect:** “He wants go home.”
– **Correct:** “He wants to go home.”
Advanced Uses of Infinitives
For advanced learners, understanding the subtleties and more complex uses of infinitives can significantly improve both written and spoken English.
Infinitives in Conditional Sentences
Infinitives can appear in conditional sentences, often to express hypothetical situations.
– **Example:** “To see her smile, he would do anything.” Here, “to see her smile” sets up a conditional scenario.
Infinitives in Relative Clauses
Infinitives can also be used in relative clauses to provide additional information about a noun.
– **Example:** “She is the person to ask.” Here, “to ask” functions within the relative clause.
Infinitives with “Too” and “Enough”
Infinitives frequently appear with “too” and “enough” to express sufficiency or excess.
– **Example with “Too”:** “He is too tired to continue.”
– **Example with “Enough”:** “She is strong enough to lift it.”
Practical Tips for Mastery
Mastering infinitives requires practice and attention to detail. Here are some practical tips to help you become proficient in using infinitives.
Read Extensively
Reading extensively in English will expose you to various uses of infinitives in different contexts. Pay attention to how authors use infinitives in both fiction and non-fiction.
Practice Writing
Writing essays, stories, or even journal entries can help reinforce your understanding of infinitives. Try to incorporate different types of infinitives and infinitive phrases in your writing.
Engage in Conversations
Engaging in conversations with native speakers or fellow learners can provide practical experience in using infinitives. Listen carefully and try to use infinitives appropriately in your responses.
Use Grammar Exercises
Numerous online resources and grammar books offer exercises focused on infinitives. Regular practice with these exercises can solidify your understanding and correct any mistakes.
Conclusion
Infinitives are a fundamental part of the English language, offering versatility and depth to your communication. Whether you are using them as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, understanding how to use infinitives correctly will enhance both your written and spoken English. By practicing and paying attention to the nuances of infinitives, you will become more proficient and confident in your language skills. So, the next time you encounter an infinitive, remember its potential and the myriad ways it can enrich your expression.
