When learning English, one of the key grammatical structures that can sometimes confuse learners is the use of the infinitive form with verbs of movement. Understanding how and when to use the infinitive form in this context is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and natural-sounding sentences. This article will delve into the intricacies of using the infinitive form with verbs of movement, provide examples, and offer tips to help learners master this aspect of the English language.
Understanding the Infinitive Form
Before diving into the specifics of using the infinitive form with verbs of movement, it’s essential to understand what the infinitive form is. In English, the infinitive form of a verb is the base form of the verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For instance, “to run,” “to eat,” and “to read” are all examples of verbs in their infinitive forms. The infinitive can function in various ways in a sentence, such as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Types of Infinitives
1. **Bare Infinitive**: This is the base form of the verb without “to.” It’s used after certain modal verbs (can, must, should), and certain other verbs like “let,” “make,” and sometimes “help.” For example:
– She can run fast.
– They made him leave early.
2. **Full Infinitive**: This is the base form of the verb with “to.” It’s used after certain verbs, adjectives, and as the subject or object of a sentence. For example:
– I want to eat.
– It is easy to learn.
Verbs of Movement and the Infinitive Form
Verbs of movement are verbs that describe an action involving moving from one place to another. Examples of these verbs include “go,” “come,” “run,” “walk,” “drive,” and “fly.” When these verbs are used with the infinitive form, they often describe the purpose of the movement.
Using the Infinitive Form with “Go”
One of the most common verbs of movement is “go.” When using “go” with the infinitive form, it usually describes an activity that someone is going to do. For example:
– They went to the park to play soccer.
– I will go to the store to buy groceries.
In these sentences, the infinitive form “to play” and “to buy” explain the purpose of going to the park and the store, respectively.
Using the Infinitive Form with “Come”
Similarly, “come” can be used with the infinitive form to describe the reason why someone is coming. For example:
– She came to the meeting to discuss the project.
– They came to the house to visit us.
Here, “to discuss” and “to visit” indicate why the subjects came to the meeting and the house.
Other Verbs of Movement
Other verbs of movement, such as “run,” “walk,” “drive,” and “fly,” can also be used with the infinitive form to describe the purpose of the action. For example:
– He ran to the store to get some milk.
– We walked to the park to enjoy the weather.
– She drove to the city to attend a conference.
– They flew to New York to see a Broadway show.
In each of these sentences, the infinitive form clarifies the reason for the movement.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While using the infinitive form with verbs of movement is relatively straightforward, learners often make a few common mistakes. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them and use the structure correctly.
Omitting “to”
One common mistake is omitting the word “to” before the verb in the infinitive form. Remember that the full infinitive form includes “to.” For example:
– Incorrect: I went the store buy some groceries.
– Correct: I went to the store to buy some groceries.
Using the Gerund Instead of the Infinitive
Another mistake is using the gerund form (-ing form) instead of the infinitive form. While gerunds are used in many contexts in English, when describing the purpose of a movement, the infinitive form is required. For example:
– Incorrect: She came to the meeting discussing the project.
– Correct: She came to the meeting to discuss the project.
Misplacing the Infinitive Phrase
Sometimes learners place the infinitive phrase incorrectly in the sentence, leading to awkward or incorrect sentences. The infinitive phrase should follow the verb of movement directly. For example:
– Incorrect: He ran to get to the store some milk.
– Correct: He ran to the store to get some milk.
Exercises to Practice
To solidify your understanding of using the infinitive form with verbs of movement, try completing these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct infinitive form.
1. They went to the library _______ (study).
2. She came to the office _______ (submit) her report.
3. We walked to the beach _______ (relax).
4. He drove to the airport _______ (pick up) his friend.
5. I ran to the store _______ (buy) some snacks.
Answers:
1. to study
2. to submit
3. to relax
4. to pick up
5. to buy
Advanced Usage and Variations
For advanced learners, it’s essential to recognize that not all verbs of movement strictly follow the same patterns. Some variations and advanced structures can add nuance to your English usage.
Using Infinitives in Complex Sentences
When constructing more complex sentences, you may find yourself using multiple verbs and clauses. For example:
– He ran to the store to buy some milk, but he forgot to pick up the bread.
– She came to the meeting to discuss the project, and she also wanted to share her ideas.
In these sentences, each infinitive form (“to buy,” “to pick up,” “to discuss,” “to share”) serves to explain different purposes or actions.
Infinitives with Modal Verbs
Sometimes, modal verbs (can, could, will, would, etc.) are used in combination with verbs of movement and the infinitive form. For example:
– They will go to the museum to see the new exhibit.
– She might come to the party to meet new people.
Here, the modal verbs “will” and “might” add additional meaning to the sentences, indicating future possibilities or intentions.
Negative Infinitives
It’s also possible to use negative forms of the infinitive to indicate what someone does not intend to do. For example:
– They went to the park not to play but to relax.
– She came to the office not to work but to pick up some papers.
In these sentences, the negative infinitive “not to play” and “not to work” clarify what the subjects intended not to do.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of the infinitive form with verbs of movement is a valuable skill for any English learner. It allows you to express purpose and intention clearly and accurately. By understanding the basic rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing with exercises, you can become more confident in using this grammatical structure. Remember to pay attention to the placement of the infinitive phrase and ensure that you are using the full infinitive form with “to” when necessary. With continued practice and exposure, using the infinitive form with verbs of movement will become a natural part of your English language proficiency. Happy learning!
