Infinitives – A Simple Guide to Their Types and Right Uses

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Infinitives are an essential part of learning English. If you’re exploring how to learn to speak English fluently or enrolling in a course in Dubai, understanding infinitives is vital. This guide explains the basics of infinitives, their types, and their uses in a friendly and engaging way.

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by “to.” Think of it as the simplest way to express an action without tying it to a specific time or subject.

Example: “To learn” is the infinitive of the verb “learn.”

Let’s dive into the types of infinitives with examples.

To-Infinitive

The to-infinitive is the most common form. It includes “to” + the verb.

Examples:

I want to study at one of the best English schools in Dubai.
She plans to travel to Dubai.

Uses of To-Infinitive:

1. Expressing Purpose

To-infinitives often indicate the reason or purpose for an action.

Example: She joined English courses in Dubai to improve her grammar.

Explanation: The action of joining English courses is explained by the purpose of improving grammar.

2. After Certain Verbs

Verbs like ‘want,’ ‘hope,’ ‘plan,’ and ‘decide’ are typically followed by to-infinitives.

Example: He plans to travel to Dubai.

Explanation: The verb plans naturally connects to the to-infinitive to travel.

Here’s a handy list of verbs often followed by infinitives:

Agree: They agreed to meet at the café.
Offer: He offered to help with the project.
Plan: She plans to visit the Global Village in Dubai.
Promise: He promised to complete his homework.
Refuse: They refused to accept the proposal.

3. Following Adjectives

To-infinitives can follow certain adjectives, especially those expressing emotions or opinions.

Example: It’s exciting to visit new places.

Explanation: The adjective exciting is complemented by the to-infinitive to visit.

4. As the Subject or Object

Subject: To learn English is important for global communication.

Explanation: The infinitive phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.

Object: I love to explore new cultures.

Explanation: The infinitive phrase is the object of the verb ‘love’.

5. In Passive Voice

To-infinitives are also used in passive constructions.

Example: He was asked to complete the project.

Explanation: The action is passive, with the to-infinitive describing what was requested.

Bare Infinitive

The bare infinitive is the verb without “to.” It is used in specific contexts.

Examples:

I can speak English fluently.
They let us explore the city.

Uses of Bare Infinitive:

1. After Modal Verbs

Modal verbs like ‘can,’ ‘should,’ ‘must,’ and ‘might’ are always followed by a bare infinitive.

Example: You must study hard to succeed.

Explanation: The modal ‘must’ is directly followed by the bare infinitive study.

2. With Certain Verbs

Bare infinitives follow verbs like let, make, help, and hear.

Example: They let us go early today.

Explanation: The verb ‘let’ takes a bare infinitive to complete its meaning.

3. In Causative Structures

Causative verbs such as ‘make’ and ‘have’ are followed by a bare infinitive.

Example: The teacher made us rewrite the essay.

Explanation: The verb ‘made’ is causative, requiring a bare infinitive to indicate the action.

4. After Expressions with "Rather" and "Had Better"

Phrases like would rather and had better are followed by bare infinitives.

Example: You had better finish your homework before dinner.

Explanation: The bare infinitive ‘finish’ is required after the phrase ‘had better’.

5. In Verbs of Perception

Verbs like ‘see,’ ‘watch,’ ‘hear,’ and ‘feel’ often take bare infinitives.

Example: I saw him run across the street.

Explanation: The verb ‘saw’ is followed by the bare infinitive ‘run’ to describe the action observed.

Infinitives vs. Gerunds

Verbs that prefer infinitives as subjects:

To travel is my dream.
To leave early was the best choice.
To study abroad is her goal.

Verbs like “want,” “plan,” and “decide” are usually followed by an infinitive when the action is the subject.

Verbs that prefer gerunds as subjects:

Learning new languages is exciting.
Eating healthy is important.
Running every morning is a good habit.

Verbs like “enjoy,” “consider,” and “avoid” are typically followed by a gerund when the action is the subject.

Idiomatic Expressions with Infinitives

Infinitives are often part of idiomatic expressions:

To be honest: To be honest, English grammar isn’t too hard!
To tell the truth: To tell the truth, I love studying English.

Split Infinitives

You may encounter split infinitives, where an adverb is placed between “to” and the verb.

Example: She wants to completely understand the topic.

This structure is widely accepted in modern English but should be used sparingly in formal writing.

Negative Infinitives

To make an infinitive negative, simply place ‘not’ before it.

Example: I decided not to attend the meeting.

Here are some practice exercises:

1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

Practise using infinitives by completing these sentences. Use the correct form of either the to-infinitive or the bare infinitive based on the context.

I want ___ (improve) my English-speaking skills.
She promised ___ (call) me back later.
You should ___ (try) this new language app.
They decided ___ (enrol) in an English course in Dubai.
Can you ___ (help) me with my grammar homework?
He was happy ___ (receive) the offer for the job.
She let her son ___ (stay) up late to finish the project.
We need ___ (prepare) for the test tomorrow.
I saw him ___ (leave) the classroom early.
It’s important ___ (practise) every day to improve.

Click Here To Check Your Answers!

1. to improve
2. to call
3. try
4. to enrol
5. help
6. to receive
7. stay
8. to prepare
9. leave
10. to practise

Negative Infinitives

Read the sentences below, identify the infinitive, and specify whether it’s a to-infinitive or a bare infinitive.

She hopes to travel abroad next summer.
I heard him play the piano at the concert.
They agreed to help with the project.
You must study hard for the exam.
He asked her to explain the rules clearly.
Let me show you how this works.
It’s essential to practise speaking English regularly.
He made us wait outside the room.
We need to find a better solution to this problem.
Would you rather stay home tonight?

Click Here To Check Your Answers!

1. To travel - To-infinitive used as the object of the verb hopes.
2. Play - Bare infinitive following the verb of perception heard.
3. To help - To-infinitive used as the object of the verb agreed.
4. Study - Bare infinitive following the modal verb must.
5. To explain - To-infinitive used as the object of the verb asked.
6. Show - Bare infinitive following the verb let.
7. To practise - To-infinitive used after the adjective essential.
8. Wait - Bare infinitive following the causative verb made.
9. To find - To-infinitive used as the object of the verb need.
10. Stay - Bare infinitive following the phrase would rather.

Infinitives are your key to expressing thoughts clearly and efficiently in English. By understanding the distinct uses of these two types of infinitives, you’ll be better equipped to construct accurate and meaningful sentences. If you’re enrolling in an English language institute in Dubai, mastering infinitives will help you improve your fluency and confidence.

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