Infinitives
An infinitive is a verb form that is formed by using “to” in
front of any base form of the verb. An infinitive verb can be used as a noun,
adjective, or adverb. In simple words, to + verb functioning as a noun,
adjective, or adverb is called an infinitive.
Examples of Infinitives
- To study is the main duty of a student.
- I tried to call back, but I forgot.
- I want to tell you an interesting story today.
- The play to watch starts at 5 O’clock.
- Do you agree with the decision to marry?
- It is fun to play hide and seek.
- I want some time to study for my exam.
- The speech was easy to memorize and deliver.
- They started talking to disturb the program.
- To win, you must practice more.
Functions of Infinitives
Infinitive as a Noun
An infinitive can be used as a noun. As we know that a noun
is a naming word, and an infinitive can also function the same as a noun.
- I decided to study abroad.
- I forgot to buy a book today.
- To motivate students is the best strategy.
In the first example, to study is used just like a naming word. I can say that I decided something. That is “to study”.
Identification of an Infinitive functioning as a Noun
As we know that one function of an infinitive is as a noun
in a sentence. As a noun, it can be used as a subject or object. In such a case,
an infinitive verb clarifies the question with “what”.
- I want to swim there.
In this example, the infinitive verb to swim answers the question “What do I want?” The answer is “to swim”.
An Infinitive as an Adjective
We can also use an infinitive verb as an adjective to modify
the noun that it follows.
- The best method to use is the demonstrative method for kids.
In this example, the infinitive verb “to use” functions as
an adjective which gives more information about the noun “method”.
Identification of an Infinitive Functioning as an Adjective
When you want to identify an infinitive that functions as an
adjective, you need to look if it modifies a noun. The easiest way to identify
is to ask the question about the noun in a sentence with “what kind?”. If it
clarifies the question, the infinitive verb functions as an adjective.
- The game to watch today is very interesting.
In this example, the infinitive verb “to watch” clarifies the question “what kind of game?”
An Infinitive as an Adverb
An infinitive can be used to function as an adverb. Like an
adverb modifies a verb, similarly, an infinitive modifies a verb. When an
infinitive follows an adjective, it is also functioning as an adverb.
- We will climb the mountain to see the view from the top.
- We are ready to start.
In the first example, the infinitive verb “to see” modifies
the verb climb by telling why we will climb.
In the second example, the infinitive verb “to start”
follows the adjective “ready”.
Identification of an Infinitive Functioning as an Adverb
There are three ways to identify an infinitive verb that
functions as an adverb.
1. An infinitive verb that follows an adjective is considered an infinitive functioning as an adverb.
- We are ready to start.
2. When the infinitive verb comes at the end of a sentence or at the beginning separated by a comma and makes sense by putting “in order” before the infinitive verb, the infinitive verb functions as an adverb.
- To fly, the airplane must create a lift.
3. An infinitive verb that answers the question with “why?” functions as an adverb.
- I will go to the market to buy some vegetables.
Why will I go to the market? The answer is “to buy”.
Bare Infinitives
Bare infinitive means an infinitive form of a verb without
to. The bare infinitive is also called zero infinitives. Unlike full
infinitive, it can be used to show action. It is used after verbs of perception
(see, feel, hear), modal verbs (can, should, may), the verbs (let, have, bid,
and make), and the expressions would rather and had better.
- We heard him call you.
- Ali can tell you what we discussed.
- I have him manage everything for you.
- You had better give more time to your studies.
How to Recognize Bare Infinitives
There are three ways to recognize whether a verb is a bare
infinitive or not.
One way is to see if a verb follows a modal verb, the
verb is a bare infinitive.
- They should focus on their studies these days.
Another way is to replace the verb with another verb whose
infinitive form is different from its present tense form like “Be”. The present
tense forms of “Be” are is, are, and am. If we replace verbs like remain,
appear, or become with be and look like be, the verbs are bare infinitives.
- We watched John remain silly.
- We watched John be silly.
The third way is to see if a verb does not follow any tense
auxiliaries, the verb is a bare infinitive.
- You had better call him before we reach there.
