Are you curious about what infinitives are and how they work? Infinitives are a type of verb that can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. They are formed by adding the word “to” before the base form of the verb, such as “to be” or “to run”. Verbs followed by infinitives are very common in English, and mastering them is essential for effective communication.
Infinitives can be used in a variety of ways to add depth and complexity to your writing. For example, they can be used as the subject of a sentence, as in “To win the race is my goal.” They can also be used as an object, as in “I want to learn how to play the guitar.” Additionally, infinitives can be used to modify a noun, as in “The best way to learn is by doing.”
Infinitives are verb forms that are used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. They are formed by adding the word “to” before the base form of a verb. For example, “to run” or “to eat” are infinitives.
Infinitives can be used in a variety of ways in a sentence. They can function as the subject of a sentence, as in “To swim in the ocean is my favorite activity.” They can also function as the object of a verb, as in “I want to eat pizza.” Infinitives can also be used as adjectives, as in “The best way to learn is by doing.”
It’s important to note that infinitives do not have a subject and do not show tense. They are often used with a main verb that provides the tense and subject for the sentence.
Here is a list of common verbs that are followed by infinitives:
- Want: “I want to go to the beach.”
- Need: “You need to study for your exam.”
- Plan: “We plan to visit New York City next summer.”
- Decide: “Have you decided where to go on vacation?”
- Like: “She likes to read books in her free time.”
Remember, when using infinitives, always pay attention to the context and the function they serve in the sentence.
Types of Infinitives
Infinitives are a type of verb form that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. There are three main types of infinitives: full infinitives, bare infinitives, and split infinitives. In this section, we will discuss each of these types in detail.
Full Infinitives
Full infinitives, also known as to-infinitives, are the most common type of infinitive. They are formed by adding the word “to” before the base form of a verb. Full infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Here are some examples of full infinitives:
- To swim is my favorite activity. (noun)
- I have a book to read. (adjective)
- He went to the store to buy some milk. (adverb)
Bare Infinitives
Bare infinitives, also known as base infinitives, are infinitives without the word “to”. They are used in certain situations, such as after modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) and some other verbs (let, make, help, see, hear, feel).
Here are some examples of bare infinitives:
- You can go now. (modal verb)
- She made him do his homework. (make)
- I heard him sing. (hear)
Split Infinitives
Split infinitives occur when an adverb or adverbial phrase is placed between “to” and the base form of a verb. They were once considered incorrect, but are now widely accepted in modern English.
Here are some examples of split infinitives:
- She decided to quickly finish the project. (adverb)
- He wanted to really impress his boss. (adverbial phrase)
Infinitives in English Grammar
Infinitives are a type of non-finite verb that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In English, infinitives are usually formed by adding the word “to” before the base verb.
Infinitives as Nouns
Infinitives can function as nouns in a sentence. They can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition. For example:
- To dance is fun. (subject)
- She wants to sing. (object of a verb)
- He is excited about to play basketball. (object of a preposition)
Infinitives as Adjectives
Infinitives can also function as adjectives in a sentence. They can modify a noun or pronoun. For example:
- The best way to learn is by doing. (modifying “way”)
- The decision to quit was difficult. (modifying “decision”)
- The desire to succeed is strong. (modifying “desire”)
Infinitives as Adverbs
Infinitives can also function as adverbs in a sentence. They can modify a verb, adjective, or adverb. For example:
- She left early to catch the bus. (modifying “left”)
- He is too scared to try. (modifying “scared”)
- She speaks softly to avoid waking the baby. (modifying “speaks”)
Here is a list of some common verbs followed by infinitives:
Verb | Example |
---|---|
want | I want to eat. |
need | You need to study. |
like | She likes to dance. |
love | They love to travel. |
hate | He hates to clean. |
try | We will try to help. |
help | Can you help me to move? |
learn | She wants to learn to play guitar. |
forget | Don’t forget to call me. |
remember | Remember to lock the door. |
List of Verbs Followed By Infinitives
Here is the important verbs that are followed by infinitives:
- Agree
- Manage
- Appear
- Need
- Arrange
- Neglect
- Ask
- Offer
- Begin
- Plan
- Can’t bear
- Prefer
- Can’t stand
- Prepare
- Care
- Pretend
- Cease
- Promise
- Choose
- Propose
- Claim
- Refuse
- Continue
- Regret
- Decide
- Remember
- Demand
- Seem
- Deserve
- Start
- Dread
- Swear
- Expect
- Tend
- Fail
- Threaten
- Forget
- Try
- Get (be allowed to)
- Vow
- Happen
- Wait
- Hate
- Want
- Hesitate
- Wish
- Hope
- Would like
- Intend
- Yearn
- Learn
- Like
- Love
Remember that not all verbs are followed by infinitives. Some verbs are followed by gerunds or other verb forms. It’s important to learn which verbs are followed by which verb forms to use them correctly in a sentence.
Common Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases are a combination of the word “to” and a verb that can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. They are used to express purpose or intention, and can add meaning and depth to your writing. Here are some of the most common types of infinitive phrases:
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Certain verbs are commonly followed by infinitives. Here are some examples:
- Want: “I want to learn how to cook.”
- Need: “You need to finish your homework before you can go out.”
- Plan: “We plan to visit the museum tomorrow.”
- Promise: “She promised to call me later.”
- Like: “I like to read books in my free time.”
Infinitive Phrases as Subject
Infinitive phrases can be used as the subject of a sentence. For example:
- “To travel the world is my dream.”
- “To learn a new language takes time and effort.”
Infinitive Phrases as Object
Infinitive phrases can also be used as the object of a sentence. For example:
- “I want to visit Paris.”
- “She decided to quit her job.”
Infinitive Phrases as Adjectives
Infinitive phrases can also function as adjectives to describe a noun. For example:
- “The best way to learn is by doing.”
- “He is the person to talk to about this issue.”
Infinitive Phrases as Adverbs
Infinitive phrases can also function as adverbs to modify a verb. For example:
- “She worked hard to pass the test.”
- “He ran quickly to catch the bus.”
Incorporating infinitive phrases into your writing can add variety and depth to your sentences. By using them correctly, you can express your ideas more clearly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of sentences using infinitives?
Infinitives are used in a variety of ways in sentences. Here are some examples:
- To eat a sandwich is my favorite thing to do.
- She wants to learn how to play the guitar.
- I need to finish my homework before I can go outside.
How can infinitives be used as a subject in a sentence?
Infinitives can be used as the subject of a sentence. Here are some examples:
- To travel is my dream.
- To be happy is what everyone wants.
- To learn a new language is challenging but rewarding.
Can you give me some examples of infinitives used as adverbs?
Infinitives can be used as adverbs to modify a verb in a sentence. Here are some examples:
- She ran to catch the bus.
- He spoke softly to avoid waking the baby.
- They work hard to achieve their goals.
What are some examples of infinitives used as a noun?
Infinitives can be used as a noun in a sentence. Here are some examples:
- To swim is good exercise.
- To read is my favorite hobby.
- To travel is expensive.
What are the different types of infinitives?
There are two types of infinitives: the to-infinitive and the bare infinitive. The to-infinitive is formed with the word “to” before the base form of the verb, while the bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without “to.”
Can you explain what infinitives are and how they are used in English grammar?
Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often used with the word “to” before it. They can be used in a variety of ways in a sentence, such as a subject, object, or adverb. Infinitives are an important part of English grammar and are used frequently in both spoken and written English.
List of Verbs Followed By Infinitives:
- Agree
- Decide
- Hope
- Learn
- Need
- Promise
- Refuse
- Want
- Wish
- Work
Remember, using infinitives correctly can make your writing and speaking more effective and clear.
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Solomon seleshi
Tuesday 30th of May 2023
Nice keep it up.Good job