Bare Infinitives
The word 'bare' means without the addition of something. So you can easily get the meaning of a bare infinitive.
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
They should
She would rather
They had better
With 'Why'
Bare infinitives can also be used after the interrogative pronoun 'why' to make suggestions. Check out the examples:
Why
Why
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
I felt it
Oh God, let it
I suggest you
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
He had nothing left to do except
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
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