1. Form
The infinitive is the base form of a verb. It may be preceded by 'to' (the to-infinitive) or
stand alone (the base or zero infinitive).
• after certain verbs. e.g. want, wish, agree, fail, mean, decide, learn
• after the auxiliaries to be to, to have to, and ought to
• in the pattern 'it is + adjective + to-infinitive'
Examples
with 'to'
without 'to'
Examples:
After auxiliaries:
• She can't speak to you.
• He should give her some money.
• Shall I talk to him?
• Would you like a cup of coffee?
• I might stay another night in the hotel.
• They must leave before 10.00 a.m.
NOTICE that the 'to-infinitive' is used when 'make' is in the passive voice:
Note: this is ONLY when referring to the speaker's own actions - see 'would rather' in
section on Unreal past.
NEGATIVE INFINITIVE
To form the negative infinitive, place not before the to- or zero infinitive:
e.g. not to worry:
Examples
• I decided not to go to London.
• He asked me not to be late.
• Elephants ought not to marry mice.
• You'd better not smile at the crocodile.
• I'd rather not eat meat.
These verbs: ask, decide, explain, forget, know, show, tell, understand, can be followed
by a question word such as where, how, what, who, when or 'whether' + the 'to-
infinitive'.
Examples
• She asked me how to use the washing machine.
• Do you understand what to do?
• Tell me when to press the button.
• I've forgotten where to put this little screw.
• I can't decide whether to wear the red dress or the black one.
Examples
• Why wait until tomorrow?
• Why not ask him now?
• Why walk when we can go in the car?
• Why not buy a new bed for your bedroom?
• Why leave before the end of the game?
• Why not spend a week in Beirut and a week in Baghdad?
FUNCTION
To indicate the purpose or intention of an action (where the 'to' has the same
meaning as 'in order to' or 'so as to'):
With nouns or pronouns, to indicate what something can be used for, or what is to
be done with it:
• It is + adjective +to-infinitive
It is good to talk
• It is + adjective + infinitive + for someone + to-infinitive.
It is hard for elephants to see mice
• It is + adjective + infintive + of someone + to-infinitive.
It is unkind of her to say that.
OTHER FORMS
NOTE: as with the present infinitive, there are situations where the to is omitted, e.g.
after most modal auxiliaries.
Examples
Examples
Examples
Examples
Example:
VERB TO-INFINITIVE
I hope... to see you next week.
THAT- CLAUSE
I hope... that I'll see you next week
1
These verbs can only be followed by a 'that-clause' when they have the subject 'it'.
Example
• It appeared that no-one had locked the door.
Examples:
• He claimed to be an expert.
• I managed to reach the top of the hill.
• I know you're only pretending to love me!
• Don't pretend that you know the answer.
• She failed to explain the problem clearly.
• The customs man demanded to search our luggage.
• I can't afford to go out tonight
VERBS NORMALLY FOLLOWED BY THE INFINITIVE
B. These are the most common of the verbs that are normally followed by a noun +
infinitive. The verbs marked * may also be followed by a 'that-clause'.
Example
Notes:
Examples
C. These are the most common of the verbs followed by a to-infinitive, with
or without a noun.
Example
• I asked him to show me the book.
• I asked to see the book.
ASK* expect*
beg* help
choose mean* (=intend)
dare request*
desire* want
elect wish*
Note:
dare: In negative and interrogative sentences the infinitive with or without 'to' is possible,
though it is more common to omit the 'to':
Examples