Infinitive

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Infinitive

Definition: Infinitive is the base form of the verb. The infinitive form of a verb is the form which follows "to".

For example:

  • (to) go, (to) be,(to) ask, (to) fight, (to) understand, (to) walk .
Infinitives may occur with or without the infinitive marker "to". Infinitives without "to" are known as "bare infinitives".

For example:

  • Help me open the door.

OTHER FORMS
The infinitive can have the following forms:

  1. The perfect infinitive
    to have + past participle

    For example: to have broken, to have seen, to have saved.
    This form is most commonly found in Type 3 conditional sentences, using the conditional perfect.

    For example:
    • If I had known you were coming I would have baked a cake.
    • Someone must have broken the window and climbed in.
    • I would like to have seen the Taj Mahal when I was in India.
    • He pretended to have seen the film.
    • If I'd seen the ball I would have caught it.
  2. The continuous infinitive
    to be + present participle

    For example: to be swimming, to be joking, to be waiting

    Examples:
    • I'd really like to be swimming in a nice cool pool right now.
    • You must be joking!
    • I happened to be waiting for the bus when the accident happened.
  3. The perfect continuous infinitive
    to have been + present participle

    Examples: to have been crying, to have been waiting, to have been painting

    Examples:
    • The woman seemed to have been crying.
    • You must have been waiting for hours!
    • He pretended to have been painting all day.
  4. The passive infinitive
    to be + past participle

    For example: to be given, to be shut, to be opened

    Examples:
    • I am expecting to be given a pay-rise next month.
    • These doors should be shut.
    • This window ought to be opened.

NOTE: As with the present infinitive, there are situations where the "to" is omitted.

Examples
  • He claimed to be an expert.
  • I managed to reach the top of the hill.
  • 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.

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