Bare Infinitives

The word 'bare' means without the addition of something. So you can easily get the meaning of a bare infinitive.

What Are bare infinitives in English?

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.

using a bare infinitive in a sentence

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:

  1. with modal verbs
  2. with 'why'
  3. with particular verbs
  4. with prepositions

Comments

(4)
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Habiba
Jan 2025
It was quite helpful. Could you please tell us what are your grammar references. Please I need it.
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Muhammad Saqib Khan
Jul 2024
It's quite helpful
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Blanca Abollado Rodríguez-Tenorio
Jan 2024
Such a valuable post, especially if you are studying this topic for English as a Foreing Language Teaching "oposiciones". Congratulations and thanks a million !
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Narayan Nath
Jan 2024
Nice explanation on the topic "Bare Infinitive." Anybody will have a clear idea who overview the explanation. Thank you for providing such a valuable topic for the readers, especially who are enthusiastic in learning English. 🙂
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