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The infinitive is the basic form of a verb, often preceded by to in English, and it expresses an action in a general, unmarked way. Infinitives can function as nouns, modifiers, or even parts of complex verb phrases. This guide explains how infinitives work and how to use them in typical contexts.

Definition

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually introduced by to in English, and it represents an action in its most general sense without specifying tense or subject. Infinitives can serve various grammatical roles, such as naming an activity, showing purpose, or modifying an idea.

Fill in the Blankinfinitive

Un infinitivo es la forma base de un verbo, a menudo precedida por 'to'.

An ___ (infinitive) is the base form of a verb, often introduced by 'to' in English.

Uses

Infinitives often appear after certain verbs, can function as subjects or objects, and are commonly used to express purpose or intention. They may also be modified by adverbs, and sometimes appear in split form when an adverb is inserted between to and the verb.

Which of the following are common uses of the infinitive in English? (choose all that apply)

To form the plural of a noun

To modify a noun or adjective

To show purpose or intention

To indicate past tense

To name an activity (as a noun)

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Infinitives

Use the to infinitive when you want to express an action in a neutral way, when an infinitive is required after a particular verb, or when you are showing purpose or intention. Remember that some verbs are followed by to + infinitive, while others follow different patterns.

Verbs that take to + infinitive

Certain common verbs require the to infinitive when followed by another action, such as decide, plan, hope, attempt, and learn. These verbs signal that you are referring to a specific intended or future action.

Fill in the Blankto travel

Espero viajar a España el próximo año.

I hope ___ (to travel) to Spain next year.

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Verbs that take the gerund

Some verbs are followed by a gerund (the -ing form) instead of an infinitive, such as enjoy, avoid, consider, mind, and finish. These verbs emphasize an ongoing or completed activity rather than a future or intended action.

Fill in the Blanklearning

Ella disfruta aprender nuevos idiomas.

She enjoys ___ (learn) new languages.

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Verbs that take either

A few verbs can be followed by either the to infinitive or the gerund, sometimes with a change in meaning. For example, remember and stop differ depending on which form you use, so pay attention to whether the action is completed, intended, or general.

Which sentence uses the gerund and which uses the infinitive with 'remember'?

I must remember calling her later.

I remember meeting her before. (gerund for past memory)

I remember to meet her before.

I must remember to call her later. (infinitive for future)

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Verbs that take the bare infinitive

After modal verbs (can, must, should, etc.) and certain expressions like make, let, help, and watch, the infinitive appears without to. This bare infinitive is required in these constructions and signals a direct and immediate action.

Choose the correct sentence with a bare infinitive:

They made him to wait.

They made him wait.

She can to speak Spanish.

She can speak Spanish.

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Summary

The infinitive is the base to + verb form that expresses a general action and is used after certain verbs, for purpose, and as a noun. Learn which verbs are followed by to infinitives, which take gerunds, and when to use the bare infinitive to make your meaning clear.