Welcome to the World of Infinitives!
In this chapter, we are going to explore one of the most useful "building blocks" in the English language: Infinitives. You might not realize it, but you use these every single day when you talk about your plans, your feelings, or why you do things. By the end of these notes, you’ll be able to use them like a pro in both your speaking and writing!
Don't worry if this seems a bit "grammar-heavy" at first—we’ll break it down into tiny, easy-to-swallow pieces.
1. What is an Infinitive?
Think of an Infinitive as the "purest" form of a verb. It is the version of the verb you find in the dictionary before you change it to talk about the past or the present.
The most common type is the to-infinitive.
The Simple Formula:
To + Base Verb (e.g., to eat, to sleep, to study)
Real-World Analogy:
Imagine a verb is like a multi-tool. When it’s tucked away in your pocket and hasn't been opened to do a specific job (like being changed into "played" or "playing"), it's in its Infinitive form. It’s ready for anything!
Important Point: Even though an infinitive looks like a verb, it doesn't act like the "main" action in a sentence. It doesn't change if you are talking about one person or many people, or if you are talking about yesterday or today.
Quick Review Box:
- Correct: I want to go.
- Correct: She wants to go.
- Notice how "go" stays the same even when "want" changes!
Key Takeaway: An infinitive is usually "to" + the verb, and it never changes its spelling to match the subject or tense.
2. The Infinitive of Purpose (The "Why" Rule)
One of the most important jobs an infinitive has is to explain why someone is doing an action. This is called the Infinitive of Purpose.
How to use it:
If you can ask the question "Why?" about the first part of your sentence, the answer will often be an infinitive.
Examples:
- I went to the library to borrow a book. (Why did I go? To borrow a book.)
- He is studying hard to pass his exams. (Why is he studying? To pass.)
Did you know?
In formal writing, you can also use "in order to" or "so as to" instead of just "to."
Example: He is studying hard in order to pass his exams.
Key Takeaway: Use an infinitive to tell your reader the reason or goal behind an action.
3. Using Infinitives After Adjectives
We often use infinitives after adjectives (describing words) to explain more about a feeling or an opinion.
The Pattern:
Subject + Verb + Adjective + to-infinitive
Examples:
- It is important to listen to the teacher.
- I am happy to help you with your homework.
- It is difficult to learn a new language.
Common Mistake to Avoid:
Struggling students often try to use "for" instead of "to."
- Incorrect: I am happy for help you.
- Correct: I am happy to help you.
Key Takeaway: When you want to describe a quality or a feeling about an action, use Adjective + To + Verb.
4. Verbs That Love Infinitives
In English, some verbs are "best friends" with infinitives. When you use these verbs, the next verb that follows is almost always an infinitive.
Common "Best Friend" Verbs:
- Want (I want to play.)
- Hope (We hope to see you soon.)
- Decide (They decided to leave.)
- Plan (She plans to travel.)
- Agree (He agreed to help.)
Memory Trick:
Most of these verbs are about the future or things that haven't happened yet (hoping, planning, deciding). If you are looking forward in time, you usually need a "to"!
Quick Review Box:
Which one is correct?
A) I plan going home.
B) I plan to go home.
(Answer: B! "Plan" always takes an infinitive.)
Key Takeaway: Certain verbs like want, hope, and decide must be followed by a to-infinitive.
5. The Bare Infinitive (The Invisible "To")
Sometimes, the "to" in an infinitive goes on holiday and becomes invisible! This is called a Bare Infinitive.
When does this happen?
1. After Modal Verbs: Verbs like can, will, must, should, and may.
- I can swim. (NOT: I can to swim.)
- You must study.
2. After "Make" and "Let":
- My mom let me stay up late.
- The teacher made us finish the work.
Analogy:
Think of words like "can" or "let" as magnets. They are so strong that they pull the "to" right off the verb and make it disappear!
Key Takeaway: Don't use "to" after modal verbs (like can/will) or after the words make and let.
Summary: Your Infinitive Checklist
Before you finish your writing, ask yourself these three things:
1. Did I use To + Base Verb? (To play, not to playing)
2. If I'm explaining why I did something, did I use an infinitive? (I went to buy bread.)
3. Did I remember to remove the "to" after words like can or let? (I can run fast.)
Great job! You’ve just mastered the basics of infinitives. Keep practicing, and they will become a natural part of your English!