Infinitives

◊ GRAMMAR

There are two kinds of infinitive. One kind is called the `to'-infinitive. It consists of `to' and the base form of a verb. The uses of this kind of infinitive are explained in the entry at ↑ 'To'-infinitive clauses.

I wanted to escape from here.

I asked Don Card to go with me.

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The other kind of infinitive is sometimes called the infinitive without `to' or the bare infinitive. It is the same as the base form of a verb. Its uses are explained in this entry.

They helped me get settled here.

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◊ used after other verbs

You use an infinitive to refer to a completed action that someone sees, hears, or notices.

She heard him fall down the stairs.

The kids at the Youth Club just don't want to listen to anybody speak.

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An infinitive is used in this way after the object of the following verbs:

feel, hear, listen to, notice, observe, see, watch

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These verbs can also have an `-ing' form after their object. See entry at ↑ '-ing' forms.

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◊ 'let' and 'make'

You use an infinitive after the object of `let', and after the object of `make' when it means `cause or force someone to do something'.

Don't let Tim go by himself!

They made me write all the details down again.

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◊ 'know'

An infinitive can be used after the object of `know' in negative, simple past clauses or in perfect clauses.

I never knew him smoke before breakfast.

Have you ever known him buy a round?

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◊ 'help'

You can also use an infinitive with `help'. You can leave out the object if you do not think it is necessary to mention the person who is being helped.

John helped the old lady carry the bags upstairs.

We got up and helped clear up the debris of the party.

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`Help' can also be used with a `to'-infinitive. See entry at ↑ help.

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◊ WARNING

When you are using the verbs mentioned above in passive clauses, you do not use an infinitive without `to' after them. You use a `to'-infinitive instead.

...magazines which nobody was ever seen to buy.

I resent being made to feel guilty.

...if people are helped to liberate themselves.

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◊ used after modals

You use an infinitive after all modals except `ought'.

I must go.

Can you see him?

See entry at ↑ Modals.

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You use an infinitive after the expressions `had better' and `would rather'.

I had better go.

Would you rather do it yourself?

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You sometimes use an infinitive after `dare' and `need'.

I daren't leave before six.

Need you pay him right now?

See entries at ↑ dare and ↑ need.

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◊ other uses

You can use an infinitive after `Why' to indicate that you think that an action is foolish or pointless.

Why wait until then?

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You can use an infinitive after `Why not' to suggest what someone should do.

Why not come with us?

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You can use an infinitive after `be' when you are explaining what someone or something does or should do. The subject must be a clause beginning with `all' or `what'.

All he did was open the door.

What it does is cool the engine.

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◊ WARNING

You cannot use infinitives after prepositions. You can, however, use an `-ing' form. See entry at ↑ '-ing' forms.

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