Infinitives - English Grammar

Introduction

In this chapter, we will learn about infinitive verbs. Infinitives are important because they are the base form of verbs and can be used in various ways in sentences. Understanding infinitives helps us construct sentences more flexibly and accurately.

What Are Infinitives?

Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.

Example:

To eat is necessary for survival.

Key Points

Base Form: Infinitives are the base form of a verb.
Preceded by “To”: They are often preceded by the word “to.”
Versatile Usage: Infinitives can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Examples

To read (noun): To read is fun.
To write (adjective): She has a book to write.
To run (adverb): He went outside to run.

List of Common Infinitives

Here are some common infinitives and their uses:

Infinitive Verbs	Examples
to eat	I love to eat pizza.
to read	She likes to read novels.
to write	He needs to write a letter.
to run	They plan to run a marathon.
to sing	She wants to sing at the concert.
to play	He likes to play football.
to dance	They love to dance at parties.
to learn	She decided to learn Spanish.
to watch	We need to watch that movie.
to travel	They hope to travel around the world.

Examples of Infinitives in a Sentence

Each of these sentences uses infinitives in different ways. You’ll see that each infinitive can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Examples:

To eat pizza is my favorite thing. (noun)
She has a book to read before class. (adjective)
He went to the park to play. (adverb)
They hope to travel next summer. (noun)
She needs to finish her homework. (noun)
He bought a ticket to watch the game. (adjective)
We gathered to celebrate the holiday. (adverb)
They decided to adopt a puppy. (noun)
She wants to learn how to cook. (noun)
He has an assignment to complete. (adjective)

Practice

Let’s practice identifying infinitives and their functions! Find the infinitives and their uses in each sentence below.

He likes to swim in the ocean.
She needs to study for the exam.
They want to buy a new car.
He went outside to play.
She has a project to complete.
I plan to visit my grandparents.
They love to watch movies together.
He decided to join the club.
She likes to dance at parties.
They hope to see the new movie.

Answers:

To swim (noun)
To study (noun)
To buy (noun)
To play (adverb)
To complete (adjective)
To visit (noun)
To watch (noun)
To join (noun)
To dance (noun)
To see (noun)

Conclusion

Infinitives are the base form of verbs, often preceded by “to,” and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in sentences. They are often used to express purpose, intention, or desire.