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