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Introduction to Infinitives
Infinitives are the base form of a verb, typically preceded by the word "to." They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. Infinitives are versatile and can convey purpose, intention, or a state of being.
Examples:
  • To read is enjoyable. (Infinitive as a noun)
  • She is eager to learn. (Infinitive as an adjective)
  • He came to help us. (Infinitive as an adverb)
Formation of Infinitives

Infinitives can be formed in two primary ways:

1. Structure of Infinitives: "to" + Base Verb
The most common way to form an infinitive is by combining "to" with the base form of the verb.
    Examples
  • to eat
  • to go
  • to write
  • to play
2. Bare Infinitives
A bare infinitive is the base form of a verb used without "to." Bare infinitives are typically used after certain verbs, modal verbs, and expressions of perception
    Examples
  • make (e.g., She made him cry.)
  • let (e.g., They let us leave early.)
  • see (e.g., I saw her run.)
Infinitives as Subjects
How Infinitives Function as Subjects
An infinitive can serve as the subject of a sentence. When used in this way, it represents an action or state of being. The verb that follows the infinitive typically agrees with it in number and is often in the singular form, regardless of whether the action conveys a singular or plural idea.
    Examples
  • To travel is exciting. (The action of traveling is the subject.)
  • To swim in the ocean is refreshing. (The act of swimming is the subject.)
  • To read is fundamental for gaining knowledge. (The act of reading is the subject.)
  • To learn a new language can be challenging. (The process of learning is the subject.)
Infinitives as Objects
1. Infinitives as Objects of Verbs
Infinitives can act as the object of a verb, indicating what action is desired or performed.
    Examples
  • I want to go.
  • She hopes to win.
  • They need to study.
2. Verbs That Commonly Take Infinitives as Objects
Certain verbs are often followed by infinitives:
    Examples
  • want (e.g., I want to eat.)
  • hope (e.g., She hopes to travel.)
  • need (e.g., We need to leave.)
  • decide (e.g., He decided to start.)
  • plan (e.g., They plan to visit.)
Some of Infinitives as Objects
    Examples
  • He wants to play soccer.
  • We hope to see you soon.
  • She needs to finish her homework.
  • I decided to take a break.
Infinitives After Adjectives
1. Using Infinitives After Adjectives
Infinitives often follow adjectives to express a feeling or state. This construction adds meaning and elaborates on the adjective.
    Examples
  • happy to see
  • eager to learn
  • afraid to fail
Some of Infinitives Following Adjectives
    Examples
  • She is happy to help.
  • He is eager to start his new job.
  • They are afraid to speak in public.
  • I’m excited to visit the museum.
  • She is willing to try new things.
Infinitives After Nouns
1. Infinitives Used After Nouns
Infinitives can follow nouns to provide additional information or clarify the action related to the noun. This construction often indicates purpose or intention.
    Examples
  • decision to make
  • opportunity to learn
  • plan to travel
Usage
    Examples
  • She made a decision to move.
  • He received an opportunity to study abroad.
  • We have a plan to improve our skills.
  • They presented a suggestion to help the team.
  • I found a way to solve the problem.
Infinitives in Phrasal Verbs
1. Common Phrasal Verbs That Include Infinitives
Infinitives can be part of phrasal verbs, often expressing actions or intentions. Here are some common phrasal verbs that include infinitives:
    Examples
  • get to (e.g., get to know)
  • look forward to (e.g., look forward to seeing)
Practice
    Examples
  • I can’t wait to get to know you better.
  • She is excited to look forward to seeing her friends.
Infinitives in Negative Form
1. Forming Negative Infinitives
Negative infinitives are formed by adding "not" before the infinitive. This construction expresses the negation of the action.
    Examples
  • not to eat
  • not to go
  • not to see
Negative Infinitives in Sentences
    Examples
  • She chose not to eat dessert.
  • He decided not to go to the party.
  • They were advised not to speak during the exam.
  • I want not to forget this important lesson.
Infinitives in Passive Voice
1. Infinitives in Passive Structures
Infinitives can appear in passive voice constructions, often used to emphasize the action rather than the subject performing it. The structure typically involves "to be" followed by the past participle of the verb.
    Examples
  • to be seen
  • to be heard
  • to be completed
Usage in Context
    Examples
  • The project needs to be completed by Friday.
  • It’s important to be heard in discussions.
  • The proposal is expected to be approved soon.
  • She wants to be recognized for her hard work.
Infinitives with "Too" and "Enough"
1. Using Infinitives with "Too"
Infinitives can follow "too" to indicate that something is excessive and causes difficulty or inability to perform an action.
    Examples
  • too difficult to understand
  • Using Infinitives with "Enough"
Infinitives can also follow "enough" to suggest that someone or something possesses sufficient qualities to perform an action.
    Examples
  • smart enough to win
Practical Usage
    Examples
  • The exam was too hard to pass.
  • This task is too complicated to complete.
  • She is smart enough to solve the problem.