The Infinitive
The infinitive is the base form of a verb. It is often preceded by the word to.Infinitives often appear after other verbs.
The rain began to fall.
Sally and I agreed to meet this afternoon.
I’ve arranged to see the doctor at 3 o’clock.
I hope to visit Disneyland someday.
I like to ride my bike in the street.
My parents have decided to buy a new car.
Paul is learning to swim.
I didn’t mean to upset you.
Some verbs have an object before the infinitive. In these examples the objects are printed in colour.
1. Simon asked me to help him.
2. The teacher told us not to run in the corridor.
3. Susie persuaded her friends to play on the team.
4.The manager allowed the staff to leave early.
Infinitives often appear after adjectives. In these examples the adjectives are printed in colour.
1. The boys were afraid to cross the busy road.
2. I’m very pleased to see you again.
3. This problem will be difficult to solve.
4. The shelf is too high to reach.
5. Don’t you think it’s rude to ignore the new girl in class?
6. The experiment was interesting to watch.
7. You’re welcome to come with me.
You can also use infinitives after some nouns and pronouns to say what you are using something for.
1.Take a book to read.
2. I phoned for a taxi to take us to the airport.
3.Has everyone got something to drink?
4. I’ve got lots of nice clothes to wear.
5. Find a space on the floor to sit in.
Infinitives sometimes follow words like how, what, which and where.
1. My brother is learning how to cook.
2. I can’t decide which to choose—the ice cream or the pudding.
3. I don’t know what to say.
4. Sally can’t remember where to hang her coat.
1. I can swim.
Infinitives are also used after helping verbs such as will, can, should, may and must. After these helping verbs use infinitives without the word to.
2. We think she will win the race.
3. You must try harder.
4. Do you think we should wait?
5. May I come in?
