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Bare Infinitive

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The bare infinitive is the simplest form of a verb, without any endings (like -ing or -ed) and without the word to. For example, the bare infinitive of the verb to go is go.

When to Use the Bare Infinitive

The bare infinitive is used in specific situations in English. Here are the main rules with examples:

After Modal Verbs

After modal verbs like can, could, must, should, will, might, etc., use the bare infinitive.
Examples:
  • She can swim very fast.
  • You must finish your homework.
  • They should go now.

After Make, Let, and Help

  • Make and let are followed by the bare infinitive.
  • Help can be followed by either the bare infinitive or the to-infinitive.
Examples:
  • She made me cry.
  • Let him try again.
  • They helped us carry the bags.
  • (also: They helped us to carry the bags.)

After “Had Better,” “Would Rather,” “Rather Than”

These expressions are followed by the bare infinitive (or a form that looks like the bare infinitive).
Examples:
  • You had better leave now.
  • I would rather stay home.
  • She chose to walk rather than take a taxi.

After “Why” (in questions and suggestions)

When why is followed directly by a verb, use the bare infinitive.
Examples:
  • Why wait until tomorrow?
  • Why not ask her yourself?

Translate this sentence: "Why wait until tomorrow?"


Why wait until tomorrow?

After 'why,' the verb 'wait' is in its bare infinitive form (no 'to') to form a direct and concise question.

In the Passive Causative

When using the passive causative form with have or get, use have/get + object + past participle (not bare infinitive). But in the active causative, have + object + bare infinitive is used.
Examples:
  • Active causative: I had him fix the car.
  • Passive causative: I had the car fixed.

Translate this sentence using the active causative: "I had him fix the car."


I had him fix the car.

In the active causative, 'had him fix' uses the bare infinitive 'fix' after the object 'him.' This shows you caused him to perform the action.

Summary

  • Use the bare infinitive after modal verbs (e.g., can, must).
  • Use the bare infinitive after make, let.
  • Use the bare infinitive after help (optional to use “to”).
  • Use the bare infinitive after had better, would rather, and rather than.
  • Use the bare infinitive after why in direct questions and suggestions.
By remembering these rules, you'll know when to use the bare infinitive in English!

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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