| Infinitives |
| |
|
|
| An
infinitive is to + the simple form of
the verb (to + go = to go). In a negative
infinitive, not precedes the infinitive. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
We decided not
to borrow money |
| |
|
|
| Form |
|
Here is a partial
list of the verbs that are usually followed by an infinitive. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| pretend |
|
promise |
|
intend |
| demand |
|
hesitate |
|
refuse |
| expect |
|
decide |
|
volunteer |
| agree |
|
can
afford |
|
fail |
|
| |
|
|
| Usage |
|
I volunteered to
bring a cake to the party. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
Alexis can afford
to buy a sports car. |
| |
|
|
| Form |
|
Some verbs are
followed by an object noun/pronoun + infinitive. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| advise |
|
convince |
|
invite |
|
hire |
| persuade |
|
request |
|
urge |
|
remind |
| beg |
|
encourage |
|
force |
|
inspire |
|
| |
|
|
| Usage |
|
Kevin reminded
Lynn to pay the bills. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
The instructor encouraged
them to participate. |
| |
|
|
| Form |
|
After some verbs, an
infinitive without to is used. An object
noun/pronoun precedes a short infinitive. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Usage |
|
She had him pick
up the laundry. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
They let the
children play in the garden. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
He made her run
a mile. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
* "Help"
can be used with or without to. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
We help Sandra (to)
mow the grass. |
| |
|
|
| Form |
|
Some verbs are
followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| allow |
|
permit |
|
stop* |
| continue |
|
neglect |
|
start |
| dislike |
|
forget* |
|
remember* |
|
| |
|
|
| Usage |
|
She continued driving
on the icy road. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
She continued to
drive on the icy road. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
(Both sentences have
the same meaning.) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
*The use of an
infinitive or a gerund changes the meanings of these words. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
I forgot to turn
the lights off. (Forgot to do something) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
I can not forget seeing
the Niagara Falls. (Recalling a past
action) |
| |
|
|
| Form |
|
We can use
intensifiers too and enough with
infinitives. Too has a negative meaning, but enough
has a positive meaning. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| too +
adjective |
|
adjective
+ enough |
|
enough
+ noun |
|
| |
|
|
| Usage |
|
My brother is too
young to stay home alone. |
| |
|
(He cannot stay
alone.) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
He is intelligent
enough to solve the problem. |
| |
|
(He can solve the
problem.) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
She has enough
time to meet the deadline. |
| |
|
(She can meet the
deadline.) |
| |
|
|
| Form |
|
Infinitives come
after the verb to be + some adjectives. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| pleased |
|
determined |
|
surprised |
| disappointed |
|
reluctant |
|
sad |
| delighted |
|
prepared |
|
glad |
|
| |
|
|
| Usage |
|
He was pleased to
announce his engagement to Kris. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
We are glad to
receive the award. |
| |
|
|
| Gerunds
- Infinitives - Examples |