Infinitive Verb - Meaning, Definition, How to Use It, Examples

An infinitive verb is the basic form of a verb, usually starting with the word to. For example, in the sentence "I want to eat," "to eat" is the infinitive. Infinitives are important in English because they can act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. 

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an infinitive is defined as "the basic form of a verb that usually follows "to". For example, in the sentence "He wants to read," "to read" is the infinitive that indicates the action he desires to perform. According to Merriam-Webster, an infinitive verb is the basic form of a verb that is often used with the word "to".

There are two main types of infinitives: full infinitives and bare infinitives.

1. Full Infinitives (to-infinitive): 

Full infinitives (to-infinitive) include "to", followed by the base verb. They are used more commonly in sentences.

Example: 

• She wants to dance. (In this case, "to dance" is the full infinitive.)
• To run is fun. (In this case, "to run" is the full infinitive.)
• She wants to learn Spanish. (In this case, "to learn" is the full infinitive.)
• I want to see you in court.
• We came here to work, not to play.

2. Bare Infinitives (infinitive without to): 

Bare infinitives are used in their base form without the word "to." They often follow modal verbs like can, may, should, and certain other verbs such as let, make, and see.

Example: 

• I can swim. (Here, "swim" is the bare infinitive.)
• I heard him sing. (Here, "sing" is the bare infinitive.)
• You must go now. (Here, "go" is the bare infinitive.)

Both types of infinitives can appear together in a sentence.

Example:

I want to see you run.

In this example, we have three action words: "want," "see," and "run." Here, "want" is the main verb, "to see" is the full infinitive, and "run" is the bare infinitive.

Using the To-Infinitive After Common Verbs

In English, we generally use the to-infinitive after a variety of common main verbs. These verbs express different actions and intentions. Here are some of the most frequently used verbs that are generally followed by the to-infinitive:

• agree
• demand
• wish
• decide
• hope
• plan
• promise
• pretend
• fail
• love
• hate
• mean
• refuse
• begin
• help
• need
• remember
• choose
• try
• offer
• claim
• intend
• arrange
• forget
• manage
• long

Examples of Using the To-Infinitive

Here are some sentences that show how these verbs can be followed by the to-infinitive:

1. We agreed to meet at the café for lunch.
2. She demanded to see the manager immediately.
3. He longs to travel around the world someday.
4. They pretended to be interested in the presentation.
5. I aim to finish my project by next week.
6. She failed to submit her application on time.
7. He loves to play the guitar in his free time.
8. They promised to help us with our move.
9. I arranged to pick up the tickets before the show.
10. Did you remember to call your friend?
11. She managed to solve the puzzle quickly.
12. He proposed to start a new initiative at work.
13. They asked us to join them for dinner.
14. I hate to see anyone upset.
15. What do you mean to achieve with this plan?
16. She refused to answer any more questions.
17. He began to learn Spanish last year.
18. Can you help me to carry these boxes?
19. You need to focus on your studies this semester.
20. I remember to lock the door before leaving home.
21. She chose to stay home instead of going out.
22. They hope to win the championship this year.
23. He offered to drive us to the airport.
24. I will try to finish my homework early today.
25. She claimed to have seen the movie before.

Non-finite Clauses with To-Infinitives

The to-infinitive can also be used in non-finite clauses, which are clauses that do not have a subject and focus on an action or its result rather than on who performs it.

Example 1:

To travel abroad has always been his dream.

(In this sentence, "to travel" expresses an action without specifying who is doing it.)

Example 2:

To arrive early is essential for getting a good seat.

(Here, "to arrive" says the importance of the action itself.)

Example 3:

To succeed in this field requires hard work and dedication.

(The focus is on the action of succeeding rather than who succeeds.)

Example 4:

To improve your skills, you must practice regularly.

(This highlights the action of improving without indicating who should improve.)

Infinitive Without To

The infinitive without to is commonly used in English after modal verbs and certain other verbs. This form of the infinitive is important for constructing sentences that express ability, permission, obligation, and intention.

Modal Verbs

We use the infinitive without to after modal verbs, which include can, could, may, might, will, shall, would, should, and must. Here are some examples:

1. She can play the piano beautifully.
2. (Here, "play" is the bare infinitive following the modal verb "can.")
3. You should visit the museum while you're in town.
4. (In this case, "visit" follows the modal verb "should.")
5. They might join us for dinner later.
6. (The verb "join" is used without "to" after "might.")
7. He must finish his report by tomorrow.
8. (Here, "finish" is the bare infinitive that follows "must.")
9. Will you help me carry these boxes?
10. (In this example, "carry" comes after the modal verb "will.")

Other Verbs

The infinitive without to is also used after certain verbs like let, make, and sometimes help. Here are examples of how these verbs function with the bare infinitive:

• They let us borrow their car for the weekend. (In this sentence, "borrow" follows the verb "let" without "to.")
• You can't make him change his mind. (Here, "change" is used as a bare infinitive after "make.")
• I just want to help you (to) improve your skills. (In this example, "improve" can be used with or without "to" after "help.")

Infinitives are a special type of verbs that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb in sentences.

Infinitive Verbs as Nouns

When infinitives act as nouns, they often answer the question "what?" It is important to use the full infinitive form when functioning in this way.

Example 1:

To learn new skills is essential for growth.

(In this sentence, "to learn" serves as the subject.)

Example 2:

Her goal is to travel around the world.

(Here, "to travel" acts as a complement to the subject.)

Infinitive Verbs as Adjectives

Infinitives can modify nouns by providing additional information about them.

Example 1:

She has a lot of work to finish.

(In this case, "to finish" describes what kind of work it is.)

Example 2:

I need a book to read on my trip.

(Here, "to read" modifies the noun "book.”)

Infinitive Verbs as Adverbs

Infinitives can also function as adverbs, explaining why or how something happens.

Example 1:

He went to the gym to exercise.

(In this example, "to exercise" explains why he went.)

Example 2:

They saved money to buy a new car.

(Here, "to buy" tells us why they saved money.)

Here are some simple ways to use infinitives in sentences:

• Starting with an Infinitive:
• An infinitive can start a sentence to show purpose.
• Example: To succeed takes hard work. (Succeeding requires hard work.)
• Combining with Other Verbs:
• Infinitives often come after verbs to show actions.
• Example: He decided to travel. (He made a choice to travel.)
• Using with Adverbs:
• You can use split infinitives for emphasis.
• Example: She wanted to quickly finish her homework. (She wanted to finish her homework fast.)
• Infinitive Phrases:
• An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive and any words that go with it.
• Example: To read a good book is relaxing. (Reading a good book helps you relax.)
• Continuous Infinitives:
• This form uses "be" followed by the present participle (-ing form).
• Example: She seems to be studying for her exams.
• Split Infinitives:
• A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or phrase is placed between "to" and the base verb.
• Example: I want to quickly finish my homework.
• Passive Infinitives:
• Passive infinitives use "to be" followed by the past participle.
• Example: The project needs to be completed by Friday.

Learning to use infinitives correctly is important for English grammar. However, many of us make common mistakes that can hinder their communication skills. Here are some common mistakes which you can face while using the infinitives, along with explanations and examples to help clarify the correct usage.

1. Using the Wrong Verb Form

One of the most prevalent mistakes is using the incorrect form of a verb after an infinitive. This often occurs when we confuse past tense and base forms.

• Incorrect: I need to went to the store.
• Correct: I need to go to the store.

In this example, "went" is the past tense of "go," but the infinitive form should be used instead.

2. Omitting "to" with Infinitives

Another common error is forgetting to include "to" when it is required before the base verb.

• Incorrect: She wants call her friend.
• Correct: She wants to call her friend.

In this case, "to" is necessary to connect the verb "wants" with the action "call."

3. Misusing Infinitives After Certain Verbs

Some verbs require specific structures, and we often misuse them by not following these patterns correctly.

• Incorrect: He allowed leave early.
• Correct: He allowed us to leave early.

Here, "us" serves as the object for the infinitive "to leave," which is essential for clarity.

4. Confusing Infinitives with Gerunds

Many of us sometimes confuse when to use gerunds (verb + -ing) versus infinitives (to + base verb). Certain verbs are followed by gerunds instead of infinitives.

• Incorrect: I enjoy to swim in the summer.
• Correct: I enjoy swimming in the summer.

In this example, "enjoy" must be followed by a gerund.

5. Incorrect Use After Adjectives

Infinitives often follow adjectives, but we may forget to include "to."

• Incorrect: It's important finish your work on time.
• Correct: It's important to finish your work on time.

Here, "to" is necessary after "important" to indicate what needs to be done.

6. Missing Objects in Infinitive Phrases

When using certain verbs like "allow," it's crucial to include an object before the infinitive.

• Incorrect: She allowed to go home early.
• Correct: She allowed him to go home early.

The inclusion of "him" clarifies who is being allowed to perform the action.

7. Using Bare Infinitives Incorrectly

Bare infinitives (the base form without "to") are often misused, especially after modal verbs or certain causative verbs.

• Incorrect: You should to try this dish.
• Correct: You should try this dish.

In this case, "should" does not require "to" before the verb.

8. Forgetting Infinitives in Non-Finite Clauses

Infinitives can be used in non-finite clauses that do not have a subject, but many of us sometimes omit them entirely.

• Incorrect: To succeed in life requires hard work.
• Correct: Succeeding in life requires hard work.

While both sentences are grammatically correct, the first one emphasizes the action as a concept rather than a specific subject performing it.