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English grammar

Infinitives

The to-infinitive and the zero infinitive, negative infinitives, infinitives after question words and the verbs that take them.

Lessons

  1. 1Infinitive or Base FormThe infinitive is the base form of a verb. It may be preceded by 'to' (the to-infinitive) or stand alone (the base or zero infinitive). With verbs of…2 min read
  2. 2The Zero InfinitiveNOTICE that the to-infinitive is used when make is in the passive voice: Note: this is ONLY when referring to the speaker's own actions - see 'would rather'…2 min read
  3. 3Forming the Negative InfinitiveTo form the negative infinitive, place not before the to- or zero infinitive: e.g. not to worry: It's hard not to worry about exams.1 min read
  4. 4The Infinitive After Question WordsThese verbs: ask, decide, explain, forget, know, show, tell, understand, can be followed by a question word such as where, how, what, who, when or 'whether'…1 min read
  5. 5How and When to Use the InfinitiveThe most common uses of the infinitive are: To indicate the purpose or intention of an action (where the 'to' has the same meaning as 'in order to' or 'so…2 min read
  6. 6Other Infinitive FormsThe infinitive can have the following forms: NOTE: as with the present infinitive, there are situations where the to is omitted, e.g. after most modal…2 min read
  7. 7Verbs Usually Followed by the InfinitiveA. The to-infinitive is used after the verbs in this group, without a preceding noun. The verbs marked * can also be followed by a 'that-clause' List of…1 min read
  8. 8Verbs Usually Followed by the Infinitive, Part 2B. These are the most common of the verbs that are normally followed by a noun + infinitive. The verbs marked * may also be followed by a 'that-clause'. *…2 min read
  9. 9Verbs Usually Followed by the Infinitive, Part 3The verbs marked * can also be followed by a that-clause dare: In negative and interrogative sentences the infinitive with or without 'to' is possible…1 min read