Infinitive Verb - Meaning, Definition, How to Use It, Examples
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Sentences like "I want to learn" use infinitives. It is is basic form of a verb and usually starts with to. For example, in "to learn," "to travel," and "to stay" verbs are infinitives. Infinitives help us show actions, wishes, and plans clearly.
Infinitive verb is important for B2 level grammar in the IELTS exam. In English tests like IELTS, knowing infinitives is important to get a good score. It helps to make better sentences and express ideas clearly. Practising infinitives can make your communication better. Using infinitives helps show your intentions and desires in talking.
Infinitives can be used in many ways. It can be subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. They can also show purpose or intention. It makes them useful to explain different ideas.
What Is an Infinitive Verb? – Meaning and Definition
An infinitive verb is the very basic form of a verb. To identify infinitives is simple just look for the word 'to'. So wherever you see the verb preceded by 'to' they are infinitives. For example:
- I want to work on my assignment.
- She dreams to go to MIT.
- To score well you need hardwork.
In all these examples the use of infinitives describes nouns, action or even adverbs.
Types of Infinitives
There are two types of infinitives the to infinitives and without to infinitives.
1. Full Infinitives (or to-infinitive)
Full infinitives are those verbs where to is used with the base verb. They are used a lot in sentences.
Examples:
- She wants to dance.
- To run is fun.
- She wants to learn difficult languages.
2. Infinitives Without to or Bare Infinitives
Verb which do not have 'to' before them and function independently are bare infinitives. Such verbs are used with modal verbs or verbs like let, make, see and others.
Examples:
- I can swim.
- I heard him sing.
- You must go now.
- Both types can appear in one sentence.
Using Full Infinitives After Commonly Used Verbs
We use verbs with to in different sections. These verbs with which to is used either show actions or intentions.
Examples:
- They pretended to be interested.
- I aim to finish my project.
- You promised to help us finish this melody.
- Kim loves to eat white sauce pasta.
Non-Finites with Full Infinitive Verbs
The non-finite clauses do not show the subject but usually focus on the action and hence can be used with to+verbs.
Examples:
- To travel abroad has always been his dream.
- To arrive early is important for a good seat.
- To succeed in this field needs hard work.
- To improve your skills, you must practice.
Infinitive Use Without To
Bare infinitive verbs are used after modal verbs and some other verbs also.
Modal Verbs Examples:
- She can play the piano.
- You should visit the museum.
- They might join us for dinner.
- He must finish his report.
- Will you help me carry these boxes?
Other Verbs Examples:
- They let us borrow their car.
- You can’t make him work without his will.
Functions of an Infinitive Verb – Usage and Examples
Infinitives are a special type of verbs. It can be used as a noun and adjective in a sentence.
Infinitive Verbs as Nouns
When infinitives act as nouns, it often answer the question "what?'. It is important to use full infinitive form when functioning in this way.
| Example with Learning | |
|---|---|
| To learn new skills is essential for growth. | In this sentence, "to learn" serves as the subject. |
| Her goal is to travel around the world. | Here, "to travel" acts as a complement to the subject. |
Infinitive Verbs as Adjectives
Infinitives can modify nouns by providing other info.
| Example with Learning | |
|---|---|
| She has a lot of work to finish. | In this case, "to finish" describes what kind of work it is. |
| I need a book to read on my trip. | Here, "to read" modifies the noun "book.” |
Infinitive Verbs as Adverbs
It can also function as adverbs. This is to explaining why or how something happens.
| Example with Learning | |
|---|---|
| He went to the gym to exercise. | In this example, "to exercise" explains why he went. |
| They saved money to buy a new car. | Here, "to buy" tells us why they saved money. |
How Do You Use an Infinitive in a Sentence?
Here are some simple ways to use infinitives in sentences:
| Infinitive Type | Description | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive Phrase | Includes infinitive + any modifiers or complements | To read a good book is relaxing. |
| Continuous Infinitive | "Be" + present participle (-ing form) | She seems to be studying for her exams. |
| Split Infinitive | An adverb placed between "to" and verb base | I want to quickly finish my homework. |
| Passive Infinitive | "To be" + past participle | The project needs to be completed by Friday. |
Common Mistakes while Using the Infinitive
Here are some common mistakes with infinitives, with examples to help you use them right.
| Mistake Type | Incorrect Example | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong Verb Form | I need to went to the store. | I need to go to the store. |
| Forgetting "to" with Infinitives | She wants call her friend. | She wants to call her friend. |
| Misusing Infinitives After Some Verbs | He allowed leave early. | He allowed us to leave early. |
| Confusing Infinitives with Gerunds | I enjoy to swim in the summer. | I enjoy swimming in the summer. |
| Wrong Use After Adjectives | It's important finish your work. | It's important to finish your work. |
| Forgetting Infinitives in Non-Finite Clauses | To succeed in life requires hard work. | Succeeding in life requires hard work. |
Infinitive Verb Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct infinitive form of the verb to complete the sentences.
1. She decided _______________ (study) abroad.
Answer: to study
Explanation: The verb "decide" is typically followed by an infinitive. Therefore, the correct form is "to study."
2. They can't afford _______________ (eat) at fancy restaurants too often.
Answer: to eat
Explanation: The verb "afford" requires an infinitive to follow it. "To eat" correctly completes the sentence.
3. He promised _______________ (call) when he arrived home.
Answer: to call
Explanation: "Promise" is another verb that's commonly followed by an infinitive. "To call" is the correct form.
4. I need _______________ (improve) my English before taking the IELTS test.
Answer: to improve
Explanation: "Need" is followed by an infinitive. "To improve" fits the sentence structure and meaning.
5. She hopes _______________ (attend) university in the autumn.
Answer: to attend
Explanation: Similar to the other verbs in this exercise, "hope" is followed by the infinitive form of the verb. "To attend" is the correct answer.
Infinitive Verb Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using an infinitive.
1. It is my ambition to travel the world.
Answer: My ambition is to travel the world.
Explanation: We simply move the infinitive phrase "to travel the world" to follow "is," turning the statement into a clear sentence.
2. She wants to learn how to play the guitar.
Answer: She wants to learn to play the guitar.
Explanation: We omit "how" to create the infinitive phrase "to play the guitar," while retaining the original meaning.
3. It's important that you arrive on time.
Answer: You need to arrive on time.
Explanation: The original sentence emphasizes importance. "Need to arrive" conveys the same necessity using an infinitive phrase.
4. The college agreed to postpone the exam.
Answer: The college agreed to postpone the final examination.
Explanation: In the original sentence, "agreed to" implies the same need to postpone the final examination.
5. Raj went to Amritsar because he wanted to visit the Golden Temple.
Answer: Raj went to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple.
Explanation: Replacing "because he wanted to" with "to" creates a concise infinitive phrase expressing the purpose of Raj's trip.
Infinitive Verb Exercise 3: Error Correction
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(1307)