MPC English & Study Skills Center

Infinitives

The infinitive is "to + Verb":  to eat, to study, to sing, to worry, etc.

The infinitive is a verb form but is NEVER part of the verb of the sentence. It can be used in a number of different ways.

Noun--to name an action:

         I love to eat.  (direct object)

         To speak requires vocal chords. (subject)

        

 

Adjective--to describe:

         Her need to study is clear from her scores.

 

Adverb--to describe:

         He is happy to leave.

The infinitive and the gerund (verb + ing) frequently follow the verbs in  sentences. In some cases, either form can be used.

• I like to swim.  (Infinitive)
• I like swimming. (Gerund)

In other cases, only the infinitive can be used, or the meaning changes, depending upon whether the infinitive or the gerund is used.

The following are structures in which the infinitive is used rather than the gerund.

After verbs that show thought processes or plans:

• I hope to go to Spain next year.
• I plan to attend college.
• I refuse to do your homework.

After verbs that show necessity or desire:

• I need to take a bath.
• I want to go home on time.
• He asks to stay home.

After "it is" plus adjective:

• It is nice to stay in bed all morning.
• It is great to go home.
• It is difficult to understand some rules of English.

Alone, in place of "in order to," showing intent:

• He goes to school in order to study.
  • He goes to school to study.
• She works in order to make enough money to live.
  • She works to make enough money to live.

After "seem" and "appear":

• Jake seems to be irritable.
• You appear to want something more.

After "advise" + noun/pronoun:

• He advised her to go home.
• Aunt Maria advised Uncle Jorge to change jobs.

After "remember" and "forget" when they refer to past, current, or future actions:

• He remembered to bring food for the cat.
  • This means that he didn't forget to do it.
• They forgot to buy  tickets for the play.
  • This means that they won't be able to see the play because they have no tickets.

Note:  the use of the gerund changes the meaning.

• He remembered bringing food for the cat.
  • This means that he remembers the act of bringing the food.
• They forgot buying tickets for the play.
  • This means that they don't remember the act of buying the tickets, but they, in fact, did buy the tickets.

After "too" and "enough":

• The box is too heavy to lift.
• The song is too long for her to sing.
• I am tall enough to reach the shelf.
• He is crazy enough to steal the money and run.