What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the basic form of the verb + "to".

Examples: to buy, to fish, to run, to watch, to tell, and so forth.

 

Example Sentences:

"I want to swim."

"They asked us to leave."

"To be, or not to be – that is the question."

"The goal is to win."

The word "infinitive" comes form the Latin word infinitus, from in- (not) and finitus (finished, limited).

You could say this actually makes sense: the infinitive describes an action, but unlike a regular verb, it is not limited in any way.

The regular verb is limited to the tense and subject. For example, in the sentence "Diana danced" the action is limited to Diana and to the past.

However, the infinitive is unlimited. In the sentence "To dance is easy", the action is not limited to any subject or to any time.

Infinitives are often used when actions are unreal, general, or future.

Examples:

(Note how the main underlined verb relates to unreal, general, or future actions).

.    Kate agreed to come.


.    I hope to see you soon.


.    We plan to finish this shortly.


.    They decided to return home.


.    She promised to stop smoking.


.    We agreed never to talk about it again.


.    He offered to sell the house.


.    I refuse to pay!


.    You seem to be disappointed.


.    She asked him not to leave.


.    I want to drink.


.    They need to get up early.

By Mr. Víctor with No comments