Verb to infinitive. Learn more here! We'll look at sentence diagrams too! verb +ing vs + to infinitive - To-Infinitive / Gerund - II2 - 6B To + Infinitive - Gerund or infinitive with to? Oct 25, 2023 · Verbs followed by infinitives are an important aspect of English grammar that can sometimes be challenging for language learners. In this post, we will take you through the structure of English infinitives and introduce you to some of the main uses of infinitive verbs in English. Rewrite each sentence so that it has a similar meaning, using the verb in brackets. , "to run," "to dance," "to think"). What is an infinitive? An infinitive is a non-finite verb that functions either as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Use the verbs in the box to complete the sentences with a positive or negative to + infinitive. The difference in meaning is often small. We use infinitives with to (to + verb): After most adjectives – It’s not always verb patterns (infinitive x gerund) - Verb to be (+, -, ?) - Verb to be - affirmative - The Past Simple (irregular verbs) - English Vocabulary: Verb phrases 3 1) Verb + object + to-infinitive After some verbs, we need to include an object before a to-infinitive. We all agreed to cancel next week's meeting. I denied stealing. Find out how to use infinitive verbals in your writing, with explanations and examples. Explanation: Gerunds are used for Mar 12, 2019 · An infinitive is the basic form of a verb. comContent blocked Please turn off your ad blocker. Learn rules when you should drop “to” or obligatory use it in the sentence with infinitive form of the verb. Verbs with infinitives and gerunds. Apr 20, 2023 · An infinitive verb (also known as just an "infinitive") can be used in different ways, even as a simple concept. He refused to go. Learn more about its correct usage and expand your writing capabilities with this part of speech. Although an infinitive is the base of a verb, it does not function as one. Perfect for learners and tutors! Jul 20, 2023 · Learn about the different forms of the verb be and do the exercises to practise using them. Simple infinitive The simple infinitive refers to the same time as that of the preceding verb: I was glad to see her. after the first Gagarin was the first to fly in a spaceship. It’s often preceded by “ to ” (e. For instance, in the sentence “She wants Infinitives with and without TO - exercises. (to) sleep (to) write ten The infinitive can also act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, and can be modified by adverbs and adverbial phrases. Definition: The active present infinitive - normally known as just "the infinitive" - is the basic or root form of a verb. Infinitives have many uses, including acting as an object or a subject instead of the main verb Infinitives and –ing words are common in the English language. It consists of the word to and the present form of the verb (the infinitive stem): e. Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + - ing ? - English Grammar Today - uma referência à Gramática e uso do inglês escrito e falado - Cambridge Dictionary Jun 26, 2024 · What Is an Infinitive? | Definition, Examples & Uses Published on June 26, 2024 by Sophie Shores, MA Revised on March 25, 2025 In English, an infinitive is a verb form that is the same as the base or dictionary form. Habib offered to buy me coffee. There are instances where the verb’s base form is used alone, even though the word to is generally added Infinitive or gerund: worksheets, printable exercises pdf, handouts to print. after the last Peter was the last to watch the film. Here are the specific rules for the gerund or infinitive patterns: 1. I hate him telling me what to do. Some examples of infinitive phrases in English are given below – these may be based on either the full infinitive (introduced by the particle to) or the bare infinitive (without the particle to). Discover all the cases of using the infinitive form of the verb. the basic form of a verb that usually…. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about grammar for the verb to be. , to run, to sing, to write, to follow. There are, however, four other forms of the infinititive: the perfect infinitive, the perfect continuous infinitive, the continuous infinitive, & the passive infinitive. , “to run,” “to speak,” “to be”), though certain constructions and verbs use infinitives without “to” (also known as the bare infinitive). To err is human. 4. Learn their correct usage with examples and images, from "afford" to "wish. read eat break listen wear receive go arrive An infinitive phrase is a verb phrase constructed with the verb in infinitive form. Many different verbs are followed, or can be followed, by a second verb in the infinitive. What Is the Infinitive Form of a Verb? The infinitive form of a verb is the verb in its basic form. An infinitive is a verb form that starts with “to” and is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. EnglishClub : Learn English : Grammar : Verbs : Infinitive or -ing? Infinitive or -ing? Sometimes we need to decide whether to use a verb in its: to-infinitive form - to do, to sing or in its: -ing form - doing, singing For example, only one of the following sentences is correct: I dislike to work late. Many verbs are followed by another verb in the infinitive with 'to', or in the -ing form. It is generally used with the word “to” (“to run”). Sep 15, 2025 · Discover the importance of infinitives in English grammar. Any verb, including phrasal verbs, can be used in the infinitive form. Infinitive: active or passive? - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Lesson plan ideas for teaching verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives. All of the verbs listed on on this page are followed by a to-infinitive when the infinitive is used. Infinitives are versatile and can function in various ways within sentences * verb + noun/pronoun + infinitive ** verb + infinitive or verb + noun/pronoun +infinitive Geraldo wants to transfer to a university. Rather, it will serve a sentence as a noun (subject, subject complement, or direct 5. Ex – to eat, to run, to love, to help, to sleep, to dance, to smoke, etc. See infinitive verbs and how to use them with this quick guide. Learn how to use the to-infinitive with different verbs and in different contexts. Birds love to sing. 1. On its own, it has limited use, like in the sentences we saw in the last section. Interactive exercises to learn English online. Hate, like, love and prefer can be followed either by -ing or a to- infinitive. 3. We use infinitives with to (to + verb): After most adjectives – It’s not always The infinitive is a non-finite form of a verb that is not marked by tense or subject agreement. The structure is to + base verb, like to go, to eat, or to write. Based on an analysis of the literature and the British National Corpus. It's better not to smoke. I can't afford to own a car. Stop + to + infinitive means that someone or something stops an activity so that they can do something E. , I am sitting at my desk. Learn the most common of these verbs and do our three tests. Perfect for learners and tutors! Verbs change their meaning when they are followed by a Gerund or an Infinitive Some verbs have different meanings when they are follwed by a gerund or an infinitive. Sometimes we use words ending with -ing as nouns, e. An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive along with its modifiers, objects, or complements. For example: “to be going to” (for future plans), “to have to” (for obligation), or “to be able to” (for ability). To-Infinitive / Gerund - II2 - 6B To + Infinitive - Gerund or infinitive with to? - Verbs + to + infinitive - verb +ing vs + to infinitive. Gerund Or Infinitive Patterns These rules are helpful but DO NOT always explain all uses of gerunds and infinitives. Verbs marked with an asterix can also be followed by a that-clause, as shown in the examples. They can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in Sentences. The infinitive is the base form of a verb. after adjectives I'm happy to be here. They do not convey a sense of tense on their own, and sentences containing them must include at least one finite main verb. Sep 11, 2022 · An infinitive verbal is one of the English verbals. Apr 11, 2025 · An infinitive verb is the base form of a verb with "to" in front of it (e. ¹ This verb can be used before an infinitive or a gerund without a change in meaning (e. Learn more. See examples, explanations and a list of verbs followed by the to-infinitive. This Survival Guide focuses on the use of –ing words as nouns. Then read the conversation below to learn more. Verb+to infinitive worksheet LiveWorksheets 5 days ago · Some verbs may be followed either by the to infinitive or by the -ing form but the meaning of the sentence changes depending on the form that is used. / I began planning my trip last week. Jul 16, 2025 · Explore verbs followed by infinitives in English. They are used in different ways to form sentences, express actions, and enhance writing. It plays an important role in forming non-finite clauses, allowing for the integration of actions or states within a sentence without conveying a specific tense. ” This form is versatile and used in various ways within English sentences. We’ll share all the forms and when to use Verbs that take the gerund or 'to + infinitive' with examples and exercises: Verbs with gerunds and infinitives part 1 Verbs with gerunds and infinitives part 2 Verbs with gerunds and infinitives part 3 Verbs with gerunds and infinitives part 4 See all the gerund and infinitive exercises here. ” But when there is a noun object, as in “The doctor advised Mark to eat more vegetables,” the infinitive must be used. Jul 14, 2025 · Infinitive verbs are the basic form of verbs, usually with the word to in front of them. A1 English grammar. Free exercises to learn English online Oct 4, 2010 · The infinitive is the base form of a verb. Dec 2, 2020 · Infinitive verb examples make it easy to learn how to use these important parts of speech. These verbs include “want,” “try,” “learn,” “decide,” and “promise,” among others. Английский инфинитив: свойства, формы Verbs + to + infinitive - To-Infinitive / Gerund - II2 - 6B To + Infinitive - Gerund or infinitive with to? - GG4 verbs irregular/regular To infinitive and -ing verbs are used when you have two verbs together. In addition to following a verb, the infinitive often follows the prepositions à and de. Which one?! Use infinitive after adjectives, for example ¹ This verb can be used before an infinitive or a gerund without a change in meaning (e. List includes example sentences. Elementary and intermediate level esl. It has far wider use. Mar 27, 2025 · Infinitive verbs are an essential part of English grammar. These are the earlier four examples: A selection of English ESL to infinitive printablesThis task will be helpful and useful for teachers who work with gerund and to-infinitive and need to teach their students to use this grammar rule to make senten What is an infinitive? Infinitives are formed from verbs, but they act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. They can help you talk about actions without actually doing them. , "to eat," "to go," "to study"). "Ellie, would you like to come to my party?" Ellie's friend invited / instructed / obliged her to go to the party. Rules for Using Gerunds and Infinitives: Here are the general rules for choosing between gerund or infinitive patterns: a. Exercises for esl. I've stopped buying the newspaper because now I read the news online. Examples of to-infinitives are given below: I want to go. Regular and irregular verbs, auxiliary verbs, linking verbs, passive and active verbs, and many other types of verbs are all used in the English language. The -ing form emphasises the verb itself. After certain verbs (see list) – Leire enjoys listening to music in the car. Learning how to use gerunds and infinitives correctly can notably improve your As you watch the video, look at the examples of verbs + ing (the gerund) and verbs + infinitive. verb +ing vs + to infinitive - To-Infinitive / Gerund - Gerund or infinitive with to? - Noun or verb - Past, present and future tenses - verb 'to be' When do we use gerunds (-ing verb) and infinitives (to + verb) in English? Let us teach you these handy tips so you know which one to use! This video also includes practice exercise at the end so How to use gerunds and infinitives - lots of explanations and free exercises Master infinitives and gerunds with our A2 pre-intermediate grammar lesson with a clear grammar chart, examples and practical exercises! Jan 28, 2025 · An infinitive is the base form of a verb combined with the word “to. He will attempt to break the national record for the 1,500 metres. Verb + object + gerund In this kind of construction, the object of the main verb is the subject of the verb in the gerund form. Infinitive or gerund exercises. It is then called the to-infinitive. I began to plan my trip last week. English infinitive: properties, forms, functions, constructions, examples of use. - The police warned everyone to stay inside with their Sep 15, 2025 · Discover the importance of infinitives in English grammar. Jan 12, 2025 · Infinitive vs. Which one?! Use infinitive after adjectives, for example What is an infinitive in English? Infinitive definition: an infinitive is TO + V1 of a verb that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Dec 14, 2022 · The irregular verb to be is the most complicated of all the English verbs—and it just so happens to be the most used, too. Includes sample stories & discussion questions. Infinitives have different roles in sentences and are important for understanding English grammar. They kept me waiting for over an hour. When to use the infinitive in French L’infinitif is an impersonal verb form (like the gerund and the past participle) that is used after certain words and phrases. Verbs with infinitive and verbs with gerund. Key Points About Infinitive Verbs Formation The infinitive form is made by adding to before the base verb, except in cases of bare infinitives Many different verbs are followed, or can be followed, by a second verb in the infinitive. Jun 3, 2023 · Do you know when to use gerunds and infinitives? Check out this guide for English learners which explains the topic in five simple rules! We explain what gerunds and infinitives are exactly, then go into rules such as gerunds as subjects, gerunds and infinitives as objects, plus a lot more. , Parking is difficult at UWA. Most of the time, infinitives are made by putting the phrase before the basic word. Jan 12, 2025 · Learn the four active forms of infinitive – simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous – and their passive version. The noun rule is more important than the verb rule! Jun 8, 2020 · Verb+to infinitive 262135 worksheets by Bunsen Yoem . The infinitive form of a verb is usually preceded by "to" (e. Free for intermediate ESL class. Although infinitives contain verbs, they cannot function as verbs. Example: Feb 23, 2025 · A complete guide to choosing between gerunds and to-infinitives. The infinitive of a verb is its most elemental form, either with or without the particle “to”, known as full infinitive and bare infinitive, respectively: Full Infinitive: In this form, “to” precedes the verb. Learn about the infinitive in English and practice infinitive grammar from this handy reference for language learners! Many different verbs are followed, or can be followed, by a second verb in the infinitive. Learn about the infinitive form of a verb and do the exercises to practise using it. 2. It can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb in a sentence. It is called a non-finite verb as it does not change according to the subject and the tense. See relevant content for grammarism. Learn about different forms, common uses, and how to avoid mistakes with this comprehensive guide. Home » Topics » Non-finite verb forms (infinitives, gerunds and participles) » The infinitive » The use of the infinitive » Verb + TO-infinitive. If you are looking for an easy-to-understand guide on infinitive verbs along with a worksheet for practice, you’re in the right place! Verbs followed by to + infinitive or -ing - Verb+ing / verb+to-infinitive - FOR or TO? - GERUND OR INFINITIVE? ESL - GERUND OR INFINITIVE Engaging gerunds and infinitives ESL games, activities and worksheets to help your students learn and practice verb patterns. Infinitives are also integral in expressing purposes or intentions, often following particular verbs. ) ² See Meaning differs ³ used (a former habit) — the tense is limited to past Also see " Like" — Gerund vs. A to-infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word 'to', often used to express purpose, intention, or a future action. The form of the 2nd verb depends on the first verb. With the verbs 'come' and 'go', we use an infinitive of purpose when they're in a normal tense but we often use 'and + infinitive' with imperatives or after modal verbs. Examples are: write, run, break, read, walk etc. The N + Inf rule is very handy. The to be verbs are am, are, is, was, and were, along with the bare infinitive be, the present participle being, and the past participle been. . For example: live or to live, love or to love, think or to think. For example, the verb “advise” normally takes a gerund, as in “The doctor advised eating more vegetables. My son's football coach is said to be very strict. It is the version of the verb that appears in the dictionary. In English, when we talk about the infinitive we are usually referring to the present infinitive, which is the most common. Why is invited Nov 7, 2022 · What is the infinitive form (infinitives)? A word or set of words can be used as an adverb, noun, or adjective when the verb is in the infinitive form. It is also important that some verbs are followed by an infinitive to form multi-word verbs. The following verbs can be used before object + gerund: dislike, hate, imagine, involve, keep, mind, prevent, not like, remember, resent, risk, stop. Verb + Gerund: I enjoy playing. I 'll arrange a meeting with the manager. This consists of the verb together with its objects and other complements and modifiers. , “to study,” “to run”). Gerunds are verbs that act like nouns, and end in ‘ing’ like swimming or reading They are used to express actions as things. In English, it can take two forms, with or without the particle to. Finally, do the grammar exercises to check you understand, and can use, verb + ing and verb + infinitive correctly. List of verbs commonly followed by infinitives. These verbs include: try, forget, remember. Verbs followed by to + infinitive or -ing - Match the sentences with the correct verb - Spanish Preterite Irregular Verbs - (infinitive) Verbos Irregulares-PFS This post helps you understand different forms of an infinitive and when to do that. They are in red in the subtitles. There are many verbs like this including allow, believe, cause, command, enable, encourage, entitle, force, invite, order, persuade, show, teach, tell, consider, warn… Example: - I considered her to be the best person for the job. Some verbs have a different meaning depending on whether they are followed by an - ing form or to + infinitive. Continuous infinitive The continuous infinitive refers to the same time as that of the preceding verb and expresses an action in progress or happening over a Sep 14, 2023 · An Infinitive is a word form that can be used as a name, a term, or a phrase. " We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Grammar resources for esl. An infinitive is often used in the present form (To + V1), also known as the simple infinitive, but it has some others forms too. infinitive phrase An infinitive is the base form of a verb usually preceded by particle to. His mother wants him to stay close to home. The infinitive may be preceded by the marker to. after the next He is the next to get his passport. While infinitives, on the other hand, are the base form of a verb, they often go before ‘to’ like to swim or to read. Infinitive – Small Differences in Meaning. An infinitive is a non-finite verb. In English, the infinitive typically appears with “to” (e. Infinitives Every English verb has an infinitive, which is the base form of the verb before it is conjugated. INFINITIVE definition: 1. Even though Gerunds and infinitives rules We use gerunds (verb+ing): After prepositions – I was exhausted after working all day. stop Stop + - ing means the action is not happening any more. Nov 5, 2017 · El infinitivo en inglés es la forma básica del verbo (sin conjugar) y generalmente se acompaña de la preposición "to". The to- infinitive puts the emphasis more on the preference for, or the results of, the action. g. Learn the most common verbs that are followed by an infinitive or gerund with this A1 grammar lesson with a chart, examples and exercises. Feb 26, 2025 · English infinitives aren’t like infinitives in other languages, so this guide shows you how to use them and gives 130+ examples! Examples with the Infinitive with to After the following phrases we use the infinitive with to in English: 1. At other times they are part of a verb, e. As the subject or object of a sentence – Doing regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. I dislike working late. 4 days ago · The infinitive form of a verb in English is the generic form of the verb that we use to talk about the idea of an action outside of a particular place or time. Verbs followed by an object and the to-infinitive advise allow ask beg cause choose command convince enable encourage expect force hire instruct invite need order permit persuade prepare promise remind require tell threaten urge want warn wish would like look to for Grammar Challenge – Verb, object, 'to' + infinitive practice activities Answers Exercise 1: Read the first sentence, and choose the most suitable verb to complete the second sentence. Continuous infinitive The continuous infinitive refers to the same time as that of the preceding verb and expresses an action in progress or happening over a Gerunds and infinitives rules We use gerunds (verb+ing): After prepositions – I was exhausted after working all day. the basic form of a verb that usually follows "to": 2. Learn about the infinitive form of a verb and do the exercises to practise using it. Infinitives An infinitive is a verbal, a verb form or construction that plays the role of a different part of speech in a sentence. Example: Verbs change their meaning when they are followed by a Gerund or an Infinitive Some verbs have different meanings when they are follwed by a gerund or an infinitive. He must be very happy. Why did you choose to study arts? A to-infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word 'to', often used to express purpose, intention, or a future action. jwg himqv atqy kavi zjzbd pgled ayrcqdm yugm fpgfzo vfzkgl