An infinitive is the base form of a verb, sometimes preceded by to. Infinitives can act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Definition
The infinitive is the basic form of a verb, often shown as to + verb in English. It is the unmarked form that you find in a dictionary.
Uses
Infinitives can function as subjects, objects, complements, or modifiers, depending on the sentence. They often express purpose or intent.
Examples
Formation
English infinitives are formed by adding to before the base verb. Some verbs are followed by the bare infinitive without to.
Bare Infinitive
Certain verbs, modals, and expressions require the infinitive without to, known as the bare infinitive. This occurs after modals like can, should, and verbs like make.
To-Infinitive
The to-infinitive appears after many verbs, adjectives, and nouns, and is used to show purpose or intention. It is the common form learners first encounter.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive plus any modifiers or complements, and can function as a single unit within a sentence. Infinitive phrases often expand meaning by adding detail.
Gerunds vs. Infinitives
Some verbs are followed by a gerund (verb+ing), others by an infinitive, and the choice can change meaning. Gerunds function as nouns while infinitives can more easily express purpose.
Summary
The infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually with to, and is used for naming actions, showing purpose, and linking ideas. Learning which verbs take the infinitive or gerund helps make sentences sound natural.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025