To-infinitives

For Intermediate learners

To-infinitives are the base form of the verbs preceded by the preposition 'to'. To-infinitives are used in many conditions. In this lesson, we will learn them.

What Are To-infinitives?

To-infinitives, also known as full infinitives, are a type of verb form in English that are created by adding the word 'to' before the base form of a verb. They are called 'to-infinitives"' because they always include the word 'to'.

Infinitives: Types

In English, there are two types of infinitives. Look at the list below:

To-infinitives
Bare infinitives

In this lesson, we will discuss 'to-infinitives'.

To-infinitives

When 'to' is followed by the base form of the verb, the result is a 'to-infinitive'. Look at the following examples:

To sleep all the time can be a sign of depression.

I'm sorry but I don't want to talk to you anymore.

John likes to dance with me right now.

To-infinitives: Uses

'To-infinitives' can serve different functions in a sentence. They can function as:

'To-infinitives' as Nouns

'To-infinitives' can function as nouns in sentences. They can be the subject, object of the verb, or object of a preposition. Look at the following examples:

To work in a café is what I really don't like. (As the subject)

Lionel wants to kill me. (As the object of the verb)

The police can't do anything but to wait for another attack.

'To-infinitives' as Adjectives

We can also use 'to-infinitives' as adjectives to modify other nouns. Look:

That is a movie to remember.

He's looking for a place to stay.

'To-infinitives' as Adverbs

'To-infinitives' can also function as adverbs to modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

The director went to fire her.

The animals came to eat all the humans.

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What Are To-infinitives?
Infinitives: Types
To-infinitives

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