> Bare infinitive grammar, definition, usage, and examples — understanding the base form of a verb without "to" in English.
The bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without the particle to (e.g., go, see, make). It is a simple, unmarked form used in specific grammatical constructions.
- Bare infinitive = base verb form without "to"
- Example: She goes vs. She go (bare infinitive)
- Used after certain verbs, modals, and expressions in English
Building the Overview Section
The bare infinitive appears in several key contexts:
- After modal verbs (can, will, must, etc.)
- After certain verbs like let, make, see, hear
- Following "why" in questions without auxiliary verbs
- After "had better," "would rather," and "sooner"
Building the Detailed Explanation Section
1. Verbs That Require a Bare Infinitive
Certain verbs are followed directly by a bare infinitive (never "to" + verb):
- let (Let me go.)
- make (She made him apologize.)
- see (I saw her leave.)
- hear (We heard them sing.)
- feel (He felt the ground shake.)
2. Modal Verbs
All modal verbs are followed by a bare infinitive:
- can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must, etc.
- Example: She can sing. / You must go.
3. Special Expressions
The bare infinitive is used after certain fixed expressions:
- had better (You had better leave.)
- would rather (I would rather stay.)
- sooner (I’d sooner walk than drive.)
4. Question Words (Why)
When “why” introduces a question without an auxiliary, use the bare infinitive:
- Why wait?
- Why go now?
Building the Examples Section
After Certain Verbs
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| let | Let me help you. |
| make | The boss made me work late. |
| see | I saw her leave early. |
| hear | Did you hear them talk? |
| feel | I felt the ground shake. |
After Modals
| Modal Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| can | She can dance. |
| must | You must finish this. |
| will | I will call you. |
| should | You should apologize. |
After Special Expressions
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| had better | You had better go now. |
| would rather | I would rather stay home. |
| sooner | I’d sooner walk than drive. |
In "Why" Questions without Auxiliary
| Example |
|---|
| Why wait? |
| Why go early? |
| Why lie about it? |
Building the Common Mistakes & Tips Section
Common Mistake #1: Adding "to" after certain verbs
- Incorrect: She made him to apologize.
- Correct: She made him apologize.
Common Mistake #2: Using a bare infinitive after verbs that require "to"
- Incorrect: I want go.
- Correct: I want to go.
(Know that verbs like want, hope, plan require "to" + infinitive.)
Common Mistake #3: Using infinitive instead of bare after modals
- Incorrect: You must to finish.
- Correct: You must finish.
Tips
- Memorize verbs that take bare infinitives (let, make, see, hear, feel).
- After modal verbs, always use the bare infinitive.
- Use bare infinitive after "had better," "would rather," "sooner."
- For "why" questions without auxiliary, keep the verb bare.
Building the Conclusion Section
The bare infinitive is a simple verb form without to that appears in:
- Modal verb constructions (can go, must see)
- Certain verbs (let go, make do, see hear)
- Special expressions (had better leave, would rather stay)
- "Why" questions without auxiliary (Why wait?)
Understanding these patterns helps you use English verb forms naturally and avoid common errors.
Last updated: Sat May 31, 2025
