Infinitives (To + Verb) in English

Infinitives (To + Verb) in English

Infinitives are the base form of a verb preceded by "to" (e.g., to eat, to sleep, to learn). They function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs and are essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences. Understanding infinitives helps improve sentence structure and fluency.

What Is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the basic form of a verb that is often preceded by "to." It does not show tense, person, or number.

Examples of Infinitives

• To read is my favorite hobby. (Infinitive as a noun – subject)

• She has a book to read. (Infinitive as an adjective – modifies "book")

• He came here to help. (Infinitive as an adverb – explains "came")

Rules for Using Infinitives

1. Infinitives as Subjects

An infinitive can act as the subject of a sentence.

• Example: To travel is my dream.

2. Infinitives as Objects

Infinitives often function as objects after certain verbs.

• Example: She wants to study abroad.

3. Infinitives After Certain Verbs

Some verbs are followed by infinitives instead of gerunds. These include: want, need, decide, hope, agree, plan, refuse, promise, learn.

• Example: He decided to leave early. (Not: He decided leaving early.)

4. Infinitives After Adjectives

Infinitives are commonly used after adjectives to express a reaction, feeling, or necessity.

• Example: It is difficult to understand this concept.

5. Infinitives After Question Words (What, Where, How, etc.)

Infinitives can follow question words to express actions.

• Example: I don’t know how to swim.

6. Infinitives of Purpose

Infinitives are used to express the purpose of an action.

• Example: She studies hard to pass the exam.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Mistake 1: Using an Infinitive Instead of a Gerund
Incorrect: She enjoys to dance.
Correct: She enjoys dancing.
Explanation: The verb "enjoy" is always followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.

❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting "To" in an Infinitive
Incorrect: I decided go home.
Correct: I decided to go home.
Explanation: The verb "decide" must be followed by "to" before the base verb.

❌ Mistake 3: Using an Infinitive After a Modal Verb
Incorrect: You must to leave now.
Correct: You must leave now.
Explanation: Modal verbs (must, can, should, etc.) are followed by the base verb without "to."

❌ Mistake 4: Using an Infinitive Instead of a Bare Infinitive After "Make" and "Let"
Incorrect: She made me to cry.
Correct: She made me cry.
Explanation: "Make" and "let" are followed by the base form of the verb without "to."

4 Exercises on Infinitives

✔ Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct infinitive form.

1. She wants ______ (be) a doctor.

2. I hope ______ (visit) France next year.

3. He refused ______ (help) me.

4. We decided ______ (stay) at home.

✔ Exercise 2: Choose the correct sentence.

1. a) She enjoys to cook.
   b) She enjoys cooking.

2. a) He promised to call me.
   b) He promised calling me.

3. a) They made him to apologize.
   b) They made him apologize.

4. a) I don’t know how swim.
   b) I don’t know how to swim.

✔ Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes in these sentences.

1. He wants go to the beach. → Correct it: __________

2. She made me to laugh. → Correct it: __________

3. We must to finish our homework. → Correct it: __________

4. They decided leaving early. → Correct it: __________

✔ Exercise 4: Write sentences using infinitives in different functions.

1. Write a sentence with an infinitive as the subject.

2. Write a sentence with an infinitive after an adjective.

3. Write a sentence with an infinitive after a question word.

4. Write a sentence with an infinitive of purpose.