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WHAT IS AN "INFINITIVE"? |
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The infinitive is the base form of the verb. Sometimes the infinitive is
used with to, and sometimes without to. |
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THE "TO"
INFINITIVE |
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Remember that you use the to
infinitive: |
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1 |
To express purpose. |
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Some examples: |
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I'm leaving next week
to start work on the
Mediterranean project.
He went to the Technology Centre to buy a
computer. |
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2 |
To report orders, requests and advice. |
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Some examples: |
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He
told me to look in the instructions manual.
He advised me to buy the more
expensive model. |
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Some reporting verbs which can be followed
by a to infinitive are:
advise,
ask,
command,
encourage,
forbid,
invite,
order,
persuade,
tell,
and warn. |
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3 |
After certain verbs. |
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Some examples: |
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I
intend to begin in Spain and Morocco.
He's planning to visit all the
Mediterranean countries. |
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Some verbs which can be followed by
a to infinitive are:
afford,
agree,
appear,
arrange,
attempt,
decide,
expect,
forget,
hope,
intend,
learn,
manage,
offer,
plan,
promise,
refuse,
seem,
and want. |
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4 |
After certain verb + object
patterns. |
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Some examples: |
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I'd like
someone to phone me back immediately.
He wanted a technician to repair
the fault. |
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Some verbs which can be followed by this pattern are:
allow,
enable,
expect,
force,
get,
help,
like,
permit,
prefer,
remind,
teach,
and want. |
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5 |
After certain adjectives. |
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Some examples: |
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It should also be fairly
simple to operate.
It's unlikely to be cheap. |
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Some adjectives which are followed by
a to infinitive are:
difficult,
easy,
important,
impossible,
likely,
pleased,
possible,
simple,
unlikely,
unusual,
and usual. |
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THE
INFINITIVE WITHOUT "TO" |
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Remember that an infinitive without
to is used: |
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1 |
After modal verbs. |
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Some examples: |
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This camera
must be
fairly simple to operate.
It should be fairly simple
to operate. It has just three buttons!! |
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2 |
After let, make,
would rather (= prefer) and had better (= should). |
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Some examples: |
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Could you
let me have your ideas as soon as possible?
I can't make it work.
He'd rather have a new computer than a refund.
He'd better write a letter of
complaint. |
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TIPS TO
REMEMBER |
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You may find the following tips about
infinitives very useful: |
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A |
1) Passive infinitive
 to be + past participle |
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I don't want
to be told it's my
fault. |
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2) Perfect infinitive
to have + past participle |
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They seem
to have
forgotten their responsibilities to customers. |
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B |
Although the infinitive
without to is used after most modal verbs, there are
some exceptions: have to (= must), ought to, used to:
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Some examples: |
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I
have to work overtime
tonight.
You ought to take more exercise.
She used to drive to work but now she
goes by bus. |
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On the next page you can practise this
grammar. |
