LoginBare Infinitives
In this lesson we learn about bare infinitives, which are essential verb forms that do not include "to" and are used in specific grammatical constructions. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Is a Bare Infinitive?
A bare infinitive is a type of verb form that consists of the base form of a verb without the word 'to' before it, as opposed to 'to-infitintives' which are always preceded by the particle 'to'. Bare infinitives can be used as the main verb in an imperative sentence, after certain permission or causation verbs or modal verbs, and after certain prepositions.
Bare Infinitives: Uses
Bare infinitives are used in a variety of contexts in English. Here are some common cases where bare infinitives are used:
With Modal Verbs
We use a 'bare infinitive' after modal verbs and fixed phrases like "would rather" and "had better". Look at the following examples:
I will call you later.
They should consider it.
She would rather stay over for the night.
They had better take the box with them.
With 'Why'
Bare infinitives can also be used after the interrogative pronoun 'why' to make suggestions. Check out the examples:
Why listen to her when we can listen to the band?
Why wait outside? We can wait inside the house till the taxi gets here.
With Particular Verbs
Bare infinitives are also used after perception verbs as well as some causative or permission verbs and verbs expressing suggestion as a direct object. For example:
He made me cry.
I felt it move.
Oh God, let it snow.
I suggest you leave early.
The most common perception verbs used with bare infinitives include:
see
watch
notice
feel
hear
The most common causative verbs commonly used with bare infinitives verbs are:
have
help
make
The most common permission verb used with bare infinitives is:
let
The most common verbs of suggestion commonly used with bare infinitives verbs are:
suggest
recommend
propose
With Prepositions
Some prepositions can be followed by a bare infinitive. Examples of such prepositions include 'except,' 'but,' and 'than.' Here are the examples:
I did nothing but cry when he left me.
He had nothing left to do except wait for the rain to stop.
Review
A bare infinitive is an infinitive that does not need the particle to. We use a bare infinitive:
with modal verbs
with 'why'
with particular verbs
with prepositions
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses a bare infinitive after a modal verb?
She can to swim very well.
They must finish the project by tomorrow.
He wants to go to the park.
I am to finish my homework before 8:00 PM.
Select all the verbs that can take a bare infinitive as object. (Select 6)
want
help
make
have
be
see
take
say
hear
let
ask
suggest
Sort the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
Match each sentence with the category of the words that requires a bare infinitive.
Which sentence correctly uses a bare infinitive?
She wanted to help with the decorations.
They heard him sing his favorite song.
He is planning travel to Europe next summer.
I asked her explain the instructions.
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