What is Infinitive? Definitions, Examples and Verb + Infinitive List

What is Infinitive? Definitions, Examples and Verb + Infinitive List

Infinitive is obtained by adding the suffix “to” in front of the verb or using the verb in plain form. Just like gerund, it is a named verb that can be used in the case of a subject or object in a sentence. It can be a single word. Sometimes it can be a group of words.

• She wants to study languages at university.
• To be a student is really difficult.
• They are planning to move into another house.

To make a negative, “not” is brought to the beginning.

There is a meaning difference between the predicate being negative and the infinitive sentence being negative.

• I have not decided yet to go to the cinema with you.
• I have not decided to go to the cinema with you.

It can be the subject of the sentence but there is an important detail. If the subject expresses a special case, it is the infinitive but if it refers to a general case it is gerund.

• To swim in that river is not at all wise. (Gerund)
• Swimming is my favorite sport. (Infinitive)

 

Present infinitive

To + be

• They came to help me.

 

Progressive infinitive

To+be+ing

• It is difficult not to be sleeping during this morning.

 

Perfect infinitive

To have +past participle

• He seems not to have made a mistake.

 

Passive infinitive

• Paul did not expect to be invited.

 

They can also be used in the case of the object of the sentence.

• The doctor ordered to stay in bed.

 

Some verbs do not receive a “to” after their objects. Such verbs are converted to passive roof when they take this suffix.

Note: The ‘help’ and ‘be’ verbs both of these take “to” tag and can be used without.

• The boy helped a (to) carry the table uptairs.

 

The infinitive + preposition can be followed by a noun.

• Sally needs a friend to play with in the garden.

 

In formal uses, the noun may be followed by preposition + whom / which + infinitive.

• She is looking for a flat in which to live.

 

In indirect expression, the infinitive can come after question words like who, what, where.

• Can you show me how to get to the post office?