English Grammar is a vast subject to study and understand. If you want to grab the grammar rules, ethics, and aspects, you need to practice them regularly along with the perfect understanding of the concept. You need to go through each grammar point step by step.
It will make things easier for you to understand and don’t leave the concept after just going through its definition rather go ahead with the rules, exceptions, and examples. English is an influential language in the 21st century. You need to get perfect in the language to grab better opportunities in life.
This article is all about infinitive in English grammar. All the rules, usages, functions, and examples related to it are present in the article. You should go through the complete article one by one going through each paragraph as each line has some meaning and information related to the infinitive usage.
English is not only important to crack some competitive exam or to get job and career opportunities ahead but it is largely important to communicate like most people understand and speak the language in this era. Everyone is heading towards modernization.
You must go with the flow of societal changes and learn effective language to communicate well. Here is the best opportunity for you to understand one concept perfectly. Let’s begin with the most significant information related to the infinitive in English Grammar.
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The infinitive in English Grammar
If you are looking for an infinitive definition, let’s begin with it. An infinitive in English is defined as a verb but it doesn’t act like a verb in the sentences. It works in the sentence as an adjective, noun, or adverb. An infinite is made up of two words that are to and a verb. When both of them are merged, they act as an adverb, nouns, or adjectives. In simple words, an infinitive is a verb form. It is the verb that connects to and the base form of the verb.
Now let’s have a look at the common examples of infinitives as different grammar forms. The infinitive is composed of the base root of the verb and to. For example, “to fly,” to spend,” “to measure,” “to quantify,” or “to report,” etc. Keep an eye on the examples.
#. I love to swim. (noun)
#. The person to call is Jeff. (adjective)
#. I can’t wait to see it! (adverb)
#. Kittens want to play. (noun)
#. I would like to have completed the project.
#. You must try.
#. They may return.
#. It is hard to understand him.
#. She’s quick to argue.
#. This is a chance to succeed.
#. The time to move is now.
Infinitive Types
The infinitive is a composition of verb and to and it comes in two forms that are given below. You must understand the infinitive rules to use it correctly anywhere in your speaking or writing. Check out the difference between the rules.
#. The to-infinitive = to + base form of the verb (to sleep)
#. The zero or bare infinitive = base form of the verb (sleep)
Also Read: Vocabulary for Nouns: Types of Nouns with Examples and Word List A to Z
Infinitive Rules
If you want to grab each bit of the details regarding the infinitive usage and rules, you will get it here. Well, if you have read the above paragraph, you must have understood that the infinitives can act as a noun, adjective, adverb, or subject complement in the sentence. Let’s understand each infinitive usage sequentially with the help of infinitive examples.
An infinitive can act as an adjective modifying a noun. You can use them in this form while speaking or writing. The given examples have “to aid” and “to eat”. Both of them are adjectives modifying the nouns “lunch” and “laptop”.
#. Andy installed a computer program on his laptop to aid his project.
#. The boys visit McDonald’s to eat lunch.
An infinitive can also work in sentences as an adjective modifying a verb. The examples given below have ‘want’ and ‘work’. The infinitives are modified both of them in the sentences below. This is done to make the desired meaning expressing the reason for doing the action of the verbs.
#. I love my wife so much, I want to buy her a gift.
#. Everyone works to earn a living.
An infinitive can work as a subject of a sentence. This is quite often
used in sentences which usually occur at the beginning of each sentence. Let’s understand this feature with the help of infinitive examples.
#. To succeed requires discipline, dedication, and hard work.
#. To sleep in the office is unthinkable.
An infinitive is greatly used as the subject complement in the sentences. It can modify and make the sentence meaningful.
#. His favourite leisure is to play with the kids.
#. Andy’s only motivation is to succeed in life.
Now, if you have understood the roles of infinitives in variation, it’s time to understand it as an object. You can use the infinitive as an object of a sentence. Let’s check out examples for this one too.
#. She can’t afford to quarrel again.
#. You can as well go to sleep.
Infinitives can also be used as an adjective complement. Do you want to know how? Let’s get the idea by examples.
#. Andy seems reluctant to say his mind.
#. I will always be quick to tell her my feelings.
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Infinitive Usage
The infinite usage is also seen as infinitive phrases. The phrases of infinitive grammar are made up of an infinitive as well as the words that change and complement it.
Infinitive | Phrase |
Edward loves to run. | Edward loves to run marathons. |
Esme used the binoculars to see. | Esme used the binoculars to see her favourite band. |
Jack waited to eat. | Jack waited to eat the cupcake. |
Moving ahead, let’s also understand the concept of the infinitives as modifiers and complements. You will feel confident to use them once you are aware of the ways to use them. So, be confident in using different sentences before professionals as well as in a personal environment. If you need to get the phrases right, have a look at the table below.
In a Sentence | Acting As… | Its Complement/Modifier |
Edward loves to run marathons. | Direct Object | Marathons are the direct object of a run. |
Esme used the binoculars to see her favourite band. | Adverb | Band is the direct object of see, and her and favourite are adjectives modifying band. |
English Grammar
English Grammar is crucial in today’s world with increasing English significance. It is the second most spoken language in the world and due to the maximum communication in the language, it has become extremely important to know it perfectly.
English is spoken professionally as well as personal and with the increasing modernization, the level of awareness and understanding has also grown. Everyone tries to get fluent in the language so that they feel confident while speaking or writing it. Don’t you want to get fluent in English? If your answer is yes, you need to work on updating your skills by practicing religiously. The grammar aspects are challenging for those who are beginners.
You can apply correct grammar in the sentences when you will understand the rules and usage of everything properly. You should also work on applying different things in the sentences that you learn each day. It gives you more relevance to use the features.
We hope that this article has given you complete knowledge about the infinitive usage in the sentences. You can also get more details in multiple other articles. Remember, you can turn your dreams into reality with your language command. So, make your career with the best learning.
Also Read: Number in English Grammar: Check Out the Types, Rules, and Examples of Numbers in Grammar!
Conclusion
Hopefully, the definition, usage, and examples given in this article related to infinite in English grammar have proved advantageous for you. If you are learning English and if you have the aspiration to speak, write, and read English fluently, you need to push yourself a bit to understand each concept of grammar along with its examples as your sentences are a blend of different grammar aspects.
If you don’t follow grammar correctly, you can misinterpret things in communication. So, you can learn the best about English and English Grammar with the help of expert guidance and continuous learning in a proper sequence.
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