Infinitives

Infinitives

The use of infinitives in English

What is an "infinitive" for you?

What is an "infinitive"?

An Infinitive is the verb form that has “to” at the beginning.

For example,

to do

to sleep

to love

to create

It is the simplest verb form that you have to modify to fit into sentences.

Infinitives (positives and negatives)

• to + base form

• to play

• not to + base form

• not to play

Some examples:

• I need to eat something.

• It's important not to come late.

• I bought two tickets to go to the concert.

• I don´t know what to say. I don't love you anymore.

Infinitives as objects of a sentence

• In English some verbs require an infinitive.

• There are a lot of verbs that follow this pattern.

• decide: The president decided not to participate in the discussions.

• plan: We are planning to watch a movie tonight.

• want: I want to get a master's degree

Infinitives after adjectives

When you describe something with an adjective, an infinitive should follow. 

Examples:

• It's nice to meet you.

• It's important not to be late.

• I'm happy to accompany you.

Infinitives to indicate the purpose or intention of an action.

In this case TO has the same meaning as IN ORDER TO.

Examples

• She came to collect her paycheque.

• The three bears went to find firewood.

• I am calling to ask you about dad.

• Your sister has gone to finish her homework

Infinitives after question words.

The verbs ask, decide, explain, forget, know, show, tell, and understand can be followed by a question word such as where, how, what, who, & when + to + infinitive.

Examples

• She asked me how to use the washing machine.

• Do you understand what to do?

• Tell me when to press the button.

• I'm not sure I know who to call.