Infinitive

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is a type of verb that keeps its basic form and is used in sentences with "to." It serves as an adjective, adverb, or noun. Certain verbs require infinitives to convey a complete meaning, following the structure:

… main verb + to + base verb ...

Verbs that often team up with infinitives include:

• agree

• demand

• hurry

• prepare

• aim

• fail

• manage

• refuse

• ask

• hesitate

• offer

• want

• decline

• hope

• plan

• wish

Types of Infinitives

Understanding different types of infinitives is crucial for using them effectively. Let’s delve into three main types: Full, Bare, and Split Infinitives.

Full Infinitive

Full infinitives retain the "to" intact, providing a complete meaning.

• Example: She is happy to help her friends with their homework.

Bare Infinitive

Bare infinitives drop the "to" and are employed with specific verbs like make, let, help, and hear.

• Example: He heard the baby cry in the next room.

Split Infinitive

Split infinitives occur when adverbs insert themselves between "to" and the base verb.

• Example: She decided to quickly finish her work before lunch.

Tense-based Infinitives

Further classification based on when the action occurred includes Continuous, Perfect, and Perfect Continuous Infinitives.

Continuous Infinitive

Continuous infinitives describe actions going on for a specific period. They follow "to + be + present participle (base verb + -ing)."

• Example: They plan to be working on the project all night.

Perfect Infinitive

Perfect infinitives refer to actions completed before the current time. They follow "To + have + Past Participle."

• Example: She hopes to have finished her presentation by tomorrow.

Perfect Continuous Infinitive

Perfect continuous infinitives indicate an action's continuation. They follow "to + have + been + Present Participle."

• Example: He appears to have been studying for hours.

Other Types of Infinitives

Passive Infinitive

Passive infinitives shift the focus from the doer to the receiver of the action. They follow "to + be + past participle."

• Example: The assignment needs to be completed by tomorrow.

WH-Infinitive

WH-infinitives accompany WH question words and verbs like show, know, ask, etc.

• Example: She wants to understand how to solve the math problem.

Note: "Why" is special and is followed by bare infinitives.

• Example: Why do you want to leave early?

Anaphoric “to”

Anaphoric "to" is used when "to" needs repetition for a complete sense in a sentence.

• Example: It’s challenging for me to sit for 4 long hours, but I have to (sit).

Examples of each types of infinitives:

Full Infinitive:

1. She is delighted to help her classmates with their studies.

2. It's a pleasure to learn new things every day.

3. He was eager to explore the mysterious cave.

4. I would love to travel the world someday.

5. They are determined to succeed in their business venture.

6. It's essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7. She is excited to attend the upcoming concert.

8. It's important to respect others' opinions.

Bare Infinitive:

1. He made her cry with his thoughtless comments.

2. Let me try to fix the broken toy.

3. I heard him sing in the shower this morning.

4. They helped us move the heavy furniture.

5. Make him stop bothering his little sister.

6. Please let me go to the park after finishing my homework.

7. We watched the kids play in the park.

8. He heard her scream when she saw the spider.

Split Infinitive:

1. She decided to quickly finish her work before the meeting.

2. He promised to carefully consider all the options.

3. They plan to boldly launch the new product next month.

4. I want to clearly understand the instructions.

5. She offered to discreetly handle the sensitive information.

6. He chose to gracefully accept the award on stage.

7. We aim to successfully complete the project by the deadline.

8. They decided to jointly invest in the startup.

Continuous Infinitive:

1. I want to be dancing at the party when you arrive.

2. She plans to be studying abroad next semester.

3. They hope to be exploring new business opportunities.

4. He aspires to be traveling around the world in the coming years.

5. We aim to be working together on this project.

6. The goal is to be improving our community.

7. She dreams to be achieving her fitness goals.

8. They strive to be creating a positive impact on society.

Perfect Infinitive:

1. She hopes to have completed her novel by the end of the month.

2. They are glad to have met their fundraising goal.

3. He was lucky to have secured a reservation at the popular restaurant.

4. I feel fortunate to have witnessed such a beautiful sunset.

5. We are pleased to have successfully launched the new website.

6. She is grateful to have been given this opportunity.

7. They are excited to have achieved their long-term objectives.

8. It's satisfying to have seen positive changes in the community.

Perfect Continuous Infinitive:

1. The kids seem to have been playing in the backyard for hours.

2. She appears to have been working on her project all night.

3. They are believed to have been studying diligently for the exam.

4. It looks like he to have been waiting for a while.

5. I feel as if I to have been exercising forever.

6. The project seems to have been progressing steadily.

7. She is assumed to have been practicing her skills regularly.

8. It seems to have been raining for most of the day.

Passive Infinitive:

1. The decision needs to be made before the end of the day.

2. The report has to be submitted by Friday.

3. The issue seems to be resolved by the IT department.

4. The task appears to be completed by the end of the week.

5. The new policy is expected to be implemented next month.

6. The documents were found to be missing from the file.

7. The project needs to be reviewed before presenting it to the client.

8. The message seemed to be ignored by most of the audience.

WH-Infinitive:

1. She asked what to wear for the formal event.

2. He explained how to solve the complex math problem.

3. Let me know when to expect your arrival.

4. They discussed where to go for the summer vacation.

5. I'm uncertain which route to take to avoid traffic.

6. We are considering whom to invite to the party.

7. Please tell us whether to proceed with the plan.

8. They are deciding why to invest in renewable energy.

Anaphoric “to”:

1. It's hard for her to sit in one place for 4 long hours, but she has to (sit).

2. I don’t mean to impose, but I’m having to (impose).

3. She doesn’t like to talk out loud very much, but she pretends to (talk).

4. It's challenging for them to stay focused during long meetings, but they need to (stay).

5. He doesn't want to offend anyone, but he ends up having to (offend).

6. It's essential for us to collaborate on this project, but sometimes we're forced to (collaborate).

7. They prefer to work independently, but the situation requires them to (work) in a team.

8. It's crucial to be prepared for the presentation, and they have to (be prepared).

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (bare infinitive, infinitive, or gerund).

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

1. I enjoy __________ (run) in the morning before work.

2. She asked me __________ (help) her with the project.

3. He made a decision __________ (change) his career path.

4. We need __________ (buy) some groceries on the way home.

5. They suggested __________ (visit) the museum this weekend.

6. My favorite hobby is __________ (read) novels.

7. The teacher allowed us __________ (use) calculators during the exam.

8. She offered __________ (lend) me her umbrella when it started raining.

9. He promised __________ (return) the book by next week.

10. I prefer __________ (walk) instead of taking the bus.

Answers:

1. I enjoy running in the morning before work.

2. She asked me to help her with the project.

3. He made a decision to change his career path.

4. We need to buy some groceries on the way home.

5. They suggested visiting the museum this weekend.

6. My favorite hobby is reading novels.

7. The teacher allowed us to use calculators during the exam.

8. She offered to lend me her umbrella when it started raining.

9. He promised to return the book by next week.

10. I prefer walking instead of taking the bus.

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (bare infinitive, infinitive, or gerund).

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

1. She enjoys __________ (sing) in the shower every morning.

2. We decided __________ (take) a trip to the mountains this summer.

3. They suggested __________ (watch) a movie tonight.

4. He doesn't mind __________ (help) with the chores.

5. I prefer __________ (study) in a quiet environment.

6. The children need __________ (go) to bed early.

7. I'm excited __________ (learn) a new language.

8. He advised me __________ (save) money for the future.

9. She offered __________ (pick) me up from the airport.

10. We discussed __________ (start) a book club.

11. My goal is __________ (run) a marathon next year.

12. They decided __________ (visit) the art gallery downtown.

13. I forgot __________ (buy) milk on the way home.

14. He hopes __________ (travel) around the world someday.

15. It's important __________ (eat) a balanced diet.

16. We encouraged him __________ (pursue) his passion.

17. I can't stand __________ (listen) to loud music.

18. She apologized __________ (arrive) late for the meeting.

19. They plan __________ (attend) the concert on Saturday.

20. He offered __________ (drive) us to the airport.

21. I enjoy __________ (cook) new recipes on weekends.

22. She persuaded him __________ (try) a different approach.

23. We need __________ (finish) the project by Friday.

24. He seems __________ (enjoy) playing the guitar.

25. I would like __________ (visit) the famous landmarks in the city.

26. They agreed __________ (meet) at the coffee shop.

27. She admitted __________ (make) a mistake.

28. He can't afford __________ (buy) a new car right now.

29. We avoid __________ (eat) fast food regularly.

30. I look forward __________ (see) you at the event.

Answers:

1. She enjoys singing in the shower every morning.

2. We decided to take a trip to the mountains this summer.

3. They suggested watching a movie tonight.

4. He doesn't mind helping with the chores.

5. I prefer studying in a quiet environment.

6. The children need to go to bed early.

7. I'm excited to learn a new language.

8. He advised me to save money for the future.

9. She offered to pick me up from the airport.

10. We discussed starting a book club.

11. My goal is to run a marathon next year.

12. They decided to visit the art gallery downtown.

13. I forgot to buy milk on the way home.

14. He hopes to travel around the world someday.

15. It's important to eat a balanced diet.

16. We encouraged him to pursue his passion.

17. I can't stand listening to loud music.

18. She apologized for arriving late for the meeting.

19. They plan to attend the concert on Saturday.

20. He offered to drive us to the airport.

21. I enjoy cooking new recipes on weekends.

22. She persuaded him to try a different approach.

23. We need to finish the project by Friday.

24. He seems to enjoy playing the guitar.

25. I would like to visit the famous landmarks in the city.

26. They agreed to meet at the coffee shop.

27. She admitted to making a mistake.

28. He can't afford to buy a new car right now.

29. We avoid eating fast food regularly.

30. I look forward to seeing you at the event.

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (bare infinitive, infinitive, or gerund).

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks (Advanced)

1. She can't bear __________ (be) misunderstood.

2. We anticipate __________ (face) challenges in the upcoming project.

3. He was determined __________ (win) the championship.

4. I encourage you __________ (pursue) your dreams relentlessly.

5. They debated __________ (implement) new policies in the organization.

6. She is committed __________ (improve) her skills constantly.

7. It's worth __________ (explore) alternative solutions to the problem.

8. I'm considering __________ (take) a sabbatical to travel.

9. We are accustomed __________ (work) under tight deadlines.

10. He hesitated __________ (reveal) the truth about the incident.

11. It's important __________ (understand) the implications of the decision.

12. I am looking forward __________ (attend) the international conference.

13. They are determined __________ (succeed) despite the challenges.

14. She apologized __________ (interrupt) the meeting.

15. We discussed __________ (restructure) the entire department.

16. He admitted __________ (make) a significant error in judgment.

17. It's advisable __________ (seek) professional advice before investing.

18. I appreciate your effort __________ (complete) the project on time.

19. They are prepared __________ (face) the consequences of their actions.

20. She insists on __________ (participate) in the decision-making process.

21. It's crucial __________ (analyze) the data thoroughly before presenting.

22. He avoids __________ (talk) about his personal life in the workplace.

23. We are determined __________ (expand) our business globally.

24. I regret __________ (inform) you that the event has been canceled.

25. They considered __________ (move) to a different city for better opportunities.

26. She is passionate about __________ (create) innovative solutions.

27. It's challenging __________ (balance) work and personal life effectively.

28. He is qualified __________ (lead) the team.

29. I am committed __________ (continuously learn) and grow in my career.

30. We insist on __________ (adhere) to ethical business practices.

Answers:

1. She can't bear being misunderstood.

2. We anticipate facing challenges in the upcoming project.

3. He was determined to win the championship.

4. I encourage you to pursue your dreams relentlessly.

5. They debated implementing new policies in the organization.

6. She is committed to improving her skills constantly.

7. It's worth exploring alternative solutions to the problem.

8. I'm considering taking a sabbatical to travel.

9. We are accustomed to working under tight deadlines.

10. He hesitated to reveal the truth about the incident.

11. It's important to understand the implications of the decision.

12. I am looking forward to attending the international conference.

13. They are determined to succeed despite the challenges.

14. She apologized for interrupting the meeting.

15. We discussed restructuring the entire department.

16. He admitted to making a significant error in judgment.

17. It's advisable to seek professional advice before investing.

18. I appreciate your effort to complete the project on time.

19. They are prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

20. She insists on participating in the decision-making process.

21. It's crucial to analyze the data thoroughly before presenting.

22. He avoids talking about his personal life in the workplace.

23. We are determined to expand our business globally.

24. I regret to inform you that the event has been canceled.

25. They considered moving to a different city for better opportunities.

26. She is passionate about creating innovative solutions.

27. It's challenging to balance work and personal life effectively.

28. He is qualified to lead the team.

29. I am committed to continuously learning and growing in my career.

30. We insist on adhering to ethical business practices.