What is infinitive form

Another major point about using the infinitive is that its form never changes. When learning a verb, we often describe it in its infinitive form, but this is not the most basic version of a verb. Learning to use infinitives is much easier than you might think, and the best way to understand it better is to keep practising at every chance you get! Try using different verbs in each of the four main ways listed above. There is a common pattern using the to-infinitive with an adjective.

The to-infinitive is used frequently with the adverbs too and enough to express the reasoning behind our satisfaction or insatisfaction. The pattern is that too and enough are placed before or after the adjective, adverb, or noun that they modify in the same way they would be without the to-infinitive.

We then follow them by the to-infinitive to explain the reason why the quantity is excessive, sufficient, or insufficient. Normally the to-infinitive and everything that follows can be removed, leaving a sentence that still functions grammatically.

Home Welcome to EF. Programs See everything we do. Offices Find an office near you. About EF Who we are. Careers Join the team. Resources for learning English. Test your English. Infinitive Forming the infinitive The infinitive is the base form of a verb. To-infinitive Zero infinitive to sit sit to eat eat to have have to remember remember The negative infinitive is formed by putting not in front of any form of the infinitive.

Examples I decided not to go to London. He asked me not to be late. I'd like you not to sing so loudly. I'd rather not eat meat. I might not come. Examples She came to collect her pay cheque. The three bears went to find firewood. There are four types of infinitive, each of which has an active and passive form:.

The simple infinitive refers to the same time as that of the preceding verb :. I was glad to see her. He must be very happy. I 'll arrange a meeting with the manager. My son's football coach is said to be very strict.

The continuous infinitive refers to the same time as that of the preceding verb and expresses an action in progress or happening over a period of time:. I 'm glad to be sitting here. You must be joking. This time next week, I 'll be lying on the beach in Croatia. Vincent was reported to be staying in Paris at that time.

The perfect infinitive refers to a time before that of the preceding verb :. Using an Infinitive Verb You can use infinitives in several ways. Object of a Sentence The most common way to use infinitive verbs is as a direct object or an indirect object.

Examples of the above infinitives used as direct include: I want to be an astronaut. The verb is want Shane asked to have another hamburger. The verb is ask The manager promised to hold the job for me. The verb is promise Try to sleep a little more before our flight. The verb is hope. After Adjectives You can use infinitive verbs after adjectives to clarify meaning. The adjective is too hard Shane is too full to have another hamburger.

The adjective is too full The manager is nice to hold the job for me. The adjective is wealthy enough.