Infinitives

Definition

Infinitives are the base form of a verb, typically preceded by 'to', that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. They serve as an important verb form that can express actions, states, or occurrences without being tied to a specific tense or subject. This versatility allows infinitives to play various roles in sentence construction and helps convey complex ideas clearly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infinitives can be used to express purpose, such as in 'She went to the store to buy groceries.'
2. They can appear in various structures like infinitive phrases, which include the infinitive and its complements or modifiers.
3. Infinitives can be split by inserting adverbs or other words between 'to' and the verb, as in 'to quickly finish'.
4. They can function in different roles within a sentence, such as the subject of a sentence ('To read is enjoyable') or an object ('I want to learn').
5. Certain verbs are often followed by infinitives rather than gerunds, like 'want', 'hope', and 'need'.

Review Questions

• How do infinitives function differently from gerunds in a sentence?
  • Infinitives and gerunds both act as nouns but serve different functions within sentences. Infinitives can indicate purpose or intent and are often used after certain verbs, while gerunds represent ongoing actions and are frequently used to denote activities. For example, 'To swim is fun' uses an infinitive as the subject, whereas 'Swimming is fun' employs a gerund. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify sentence structure and meaning.
• Discuss how infinitives can alter meaning when used in different contexts within a sentence.
  • The meaning of infinitives can shift based on their context and structure within a sentence. For instance, the sentence 'He decided to leave' conveys a sense of choice, while 'He wanted to leave' expresses a desire. Additionally, when used in phrases like 'to eat healthily', the infinitive adds context about purpose. This flexibility allows speakers and writers to express nuanced thoughts through varying uses of infinitives.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding infinitives in mastering English verb forms and improving overall language proficiency.
  • Understanding infinitives is crucial for mastering English verb forms because they play key roles in constructing sentences effectively. Infinitives help convey ideas without being limited by tense or subject, making them essential for expressing purpose and intent. By recognizing how to use infinitives correctly, learners enhance their writing clarity and fluency, thus improving overall language proficiency. This knowledge also aids in navigating complex sentence structures common in advanced English communication.

Related terms

Gerunds: Gerunds are verb forms that end in '-ing' and function as nouns in a sentence, representing ongoing actions.

Participles: Participles are verb forms that can function as adjectives and can indicate completed actions or ongoing actions in the past.

Modal Verbs: Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability, often working with main verbs to indicate mood or tense.