A Comprehensive Guide to English Infinitives: 150 Examples and Usage71

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of English infinitives, including their formation, functions, and usage with numerous examples. Infinitives, the base form of a verb preceded by "to" (e.g., "to go," "to sing," "to be"), are versatile grammatical elements that play crucial roles in sentence structure and meaning. This guide will explore their various applications, helping you to confidently and correctly use infinitives in your writing and speaking.

I. Formation of Infinitives:

The infinitive form is generally simple: "to" + the base form of the verb. For example:
To eat
To sleep
To run
To be
To have

Note that the "to" is omitted in certain constructions, which will be discussed later.

II. Functions of Infinitives:

Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. Let's examine each function with examples:

A. Infinitives as Nouns:
Subject: To err is human. (To err acts as the subject of the sentence.)
Object of a verb: I like to dance. (To dance is the object of the verb "like".)
Complement of a verb: My goal is to succeed. (To succeed complements the verb "is".)
Object of a preposition: She is ready to leave. (To leave is the object of the preposition "to".)
Appositive: His ambition, to become a doctor, drove him to study hard. (To become a doctor explains "ambition.")

B. Infinitives as Adjectives:
I have a lot of work to do. ("to do" modifies "work")
She had a desire to travel the world. ("to travel" modifies "desire")
Give me something to eat. ("to eat" modifies "something")

C. Infinitives as Adverbs:
He went to the library to study. ("to study" modifies "went," indicating purpose.)
I called him to ask for help. ("to ask" modifies "called," indicating purpose.)
She was too tired to walk. ("to walk" modifies "tired," indicating result.)

III. Infinitives with and without "to":

The particle "to" is often omitted after certain verbs, primarily auxiliary verbs like "can," "could," "may," "might," "should," "would," "must," and "will," and after the verbs "let," "make," "help," and "dare" (in certain contexts). Examples:
I can swim.
She may leave.
They must go.
Let me help you.
He made me cry.
Help me carry this box.

IV. More Examples of Infinitives in Sentences:
It is important to remember the details.
I need someone to help me.
She wants to buy a new car.
They decided to go to the beach.
He is too young to drive.
The best thing to do is to wait.
Learning to play the piano takes time.
I am happy to see you.
It's easy to learn English.
He is eager to please.
She promised to call back.
I'm going to the store to buy milk.
The book is difficult to understand.
It's time to go home.
My dream is to travel the world.
He tried to open the door, but it was locked.
She was afraid to tell him the truth.
We were surprised to hear the news.
It’s enough to make one cry.
He’s too short to reach the shelf.
I'd love to come to your party.
They allowed us to enter.
I encouraged him to apply for the job.
She’s determined to succeed.
He was the first to arrive.
We need a place to stay.
There is nothing to fear.
He has much to learn.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
I would rather stay home than go out.
She seems to be happy.

This extensive list showcases the diverse applications of infinitives in English. Mastering their usage will significantly enhance your grammatical skills and writing fluency.

2025-04-17

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