infinitive
C1Formal, academic, technical
Definition
Meaning
The base form of a verb, typically preceded by 'to' (e.g., to go, to see), that expresses the action or state without reference to person, number, or tense.
In grammar, the uninflected form of a verb that can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence, and is used after modal verbs and certain other verbs without 'to' (the bare infinitive).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in grammatical description and language teaching. It refers to a verb form, not a concept of 'infinity'. The 'to' is often called the 'infinitive marker' and is not a preposition in this context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Minor variations may exist in prescriptive advice regarding split infinitives.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in grammatical contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
verb + to-infinitive (e.g., want to leave)verb + bare infinitive (e.g., let him go)adjective + to-infinitive (e.g., happy to help)noun + to-infinitive (e.g., decision to resign)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in language training materials (e.g., 'Learn the correct infinitive forms for professional emails').
Academic
Common in linguistics, grammar textbooks, and language teaching methodology.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation unless discussing language learning or grammar.
Technical
Standard term in grammatical analysis and language pedagogy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The infinitive form is essential to learn.
- She explained the infinitive clause clearly.
American English
- The infinitive marker 'to' is sometimes omitted.
- Understanding infinitive usage is key.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'To be' is an important infinitive.
- I like to swim.
- You need to study the infinitives in this chapter.
- He told me to wait here.
- The decision to postpone the meeting was unpopular.
- She seems to have forgotten the appointment.
- His tendency to overanalyse situations often leads to paralysis.
- The proposal, to be considered next week, involves significant restructuring.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'infinite' possibilities for a verb: the infinitive is the verb's basic, unlimited form before being limited by tense or subject.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VERB'S RAW MATERIAL (the base form from which other forms are shaped).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the Russian 'инфинитив' which is a single word form; English often uses 'to' + verb.
- The 'to' is not translated as a preposition ('к', 'для').
- Bare infinitives after modals (can, must) have no direct equivalent marker in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'to' after modal verbs (e.g., 'I must to go').
- Omitting 'to' after certain verbs that require it (e.g., 'I want go home').
- Confusing the '-ing' form (gerund) with the infinitive.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following contains a 'to-infinitive'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'to-infinitive' includes the particle 'to' (e.g., to eat). A 'bare infinitive' is the base verb alone, used after modal verbs (can, must) and certain other verbs like 'let' or 'make' (e.g., eat).
The 'rule' against splitting an infinitive (e.g., 'to boldly go') is a prescriptive myth from Latin-based grammar. In modern English, it is generally acceptable, especially if it improves clarity or rhythm.
Yes. For example: 'To err is human; to forgive, divine.' Here, 'to err' and 'to forgive' are infinitive phrases acting as the subjects.
It is a matter of historical development and grammatical patterning. There is no single rule; learners must memorise which verbs (e.g., modal verbs, 'let', 'make') are followed by the bare infinitive.