GRAMMAR & STRUCTURE
Infinitives

Definition

An infinitive is the to + verb form of a verb.

Example

I like to sing. (Infinitive = to sing)

Explanation

An infinitive can be used:

• as the object of a verb.
• as the subject of a clause.
• to express purpose.
• after certain adjectives, for example: "glad", "happy", "afraid", "lucky".
• after certain verbs or verb + noun / pronoun combinations, for example: "expect", "hope", "plan", "decide", "promise", "pretend", "tell someone", "remind someone", "force someone", "need someone", "want someone", etc.
• after certain expressions, for example: "too", "enough".
• in the simple form ( without "to") with certain verbs, for example: "see", "feel", "make", "have", "let", etc.
• to express the negative when "not" is placed before it.
• in the past and passive forms.

Related Sections

Gerunds
Gerunds and Infinitives
Verbs Followed by Gerunds and Infinitives
Participles
Causative Verbs