What are the different uses of infinitives

Infinitives are basically of two types viz: verb with “to” and without “to”. Infinitives without “to” are called as the base verbs.

Usage of To-Infinitive:


1.    To-Infinitive can be used to serve as a subject of the sentence: This kind of usage is very common in day to day writing. For example:

•    To learn algebra, that is our main objective.
•    To visit Disneyland is my long cherished dream.

2.    To-Infinitive can be used to depict the purpose of action: These help in answering the “why” part of any activity being done. For example:

•    He came to school to learn physics.
•    John came to collect his baseball bat.

3.    To –Infinitive can be used to denote what can be done with some object:  In such cases to-infinitive will follow a noun or pronoun. For example:

•    I would prefer denim to wear.
•    Children would need a playground to play football.

4.    To-Infinitive to make a comment or judgment:  While using to infinitive to make a comment the structure can be subject +to be a noun +noun phrase +to infinitive. For example:

•    John is the right person to hire.
•    It is a wrong place to park.

5.    To-Infinitive as adverbs: To infinitives are very commonly used with adverbs like “too” and “enough” to specify the reason behind an outcome. Too and enough are placed intelligently in such a manner before or after the adjective that they modify the sentence even without the ‘to infinitive’ and at the same time might sound grammatically correct. For example:

•    I had too many files to carry.
•    The food is too hot to eat
•    Tom is quite mature enough to take his own decisions.

6.    To –Infinitives after adjectives: This is also a common pattern of using to infinitives. For example:

•    It is important to be knowledgeable.
•    It is good to speak any language fluently.
•    He did not have the permission to play.

7.    Usage of Base Infinitive: Base infinitive or zero infinitives can be used after auxiliaries, after verbs of perception, after expressions, etc. For example:

•    We heard them fighting behind the closed door.
•    Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?
•    He had better work harder on his homework.
•    Let’s go to the party tonight.

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English Grammar