Infinitives are an essential part of English grammar. They allow verbs to function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs and are commonly used to express purpose, intention, plans, and decisions. Understanding how infinitives work—and when to use them correctly—helps you form clear, accurate sentences in both spoken and written English.
Infinitives
Definition and Function
An infinitive is a non-finite verb form, usually created by adding to before the base form of a verb (for example, to learn, to write). Infinitives do not show tense and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
- As a subject: To err is human.
- As an object: I want to go home.
- As an adjective: She has a desire to learn.
Forms of Infinitives
There are two main forms of infinitives in English.
- Full infinitive: to + base verb (e.g. to study, to finish)
- Bare infinitive: base verb without to (e.g. study, finish)
Infinitives can also appear in a continuous form using the structure to be + V-ing, which emphasizes an action in progress.
- She seems to be working late tonight.
Infinitives vs. Gerunds (V-ing)
Infinitives and gerunds are often confused because both can function as nouns in a sentence. However, they are not interchangeable in all cases, especially after certain verbs.
Quick comparison:
- Infinitive (to + V) is often used to talk about intentions, choices, or specific actions.
- Gerund (V-ing) is commonly used to talk about general activities or experiences.
After some verbs, both forms are possible:
- I love to swim. (focus on a specific choice or situation)
- I love swimming. (focus on the activity in general)
Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they are followed by an infinitive or a gerund (for example, remember, stop, try). Always check the structure and meaning before choosing the form.
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Common Verb Groups
Instead of memorizing a long list, it is easier to learn verbs followed by infinitives by grouping them according to meaning.
Verbs of intention and planning
- decide, plan, intend, arrange, choose, prepare
Verbs of desire and preference
- want, wish, hope, prefer, would like, love, hate
Verbs of effort and ability
- manage, try, fail, tend, learn
Verbs of agreement or refusal
- agree, promise, refuse, swear, threaten
Verbs of memory
- forget, remember
Examples of Verbs Followed by Infinitive
- I wanted to cook dinner for my parents.
- The chairman refused to answer any more questions.
- Don’t forget to lock the door.
- She decided to marry him.
- We promise to deliver within 48 hours.
- The doctors managed to keep the pain under control.
- He tends to watch television in the evening.
- Old people prefer to stay in their own homes.
Common Uses of Infinitives
To Show Purpose
Infinitives are often used to explain why something is done.
- I went to the store to buy some milk.
- She studied hard to get good grades.
As Subject or Object
- To travel is my dream.
- I want to learn Spanish.
After Adjectives
- She is happy to help.
- He is eager to learn.
Infinitives Without “To”
After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are always followed by the bare infinitive (the base form of the verb without to).
Common modal verbs include: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would.
- We can go now.
- You should eat more vegetables.
- They might arrive late.
- She must finish her homework.
After Let, Make, and Verbs of Perception
Some verbs are followed by an object + bare infinitive.
- Let me help you.
- She made him apologize.
- I saw her leave the building.
- We heard him sing.
Note: Verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, watch) and the verbs let and make are the most common sources of confusion with bare infinitives.
Infinitive Summary Table
| Position | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| After verbs | verb + to + base verb | She decided to leave. |
| After adjectives | adjective + to + base verb | He is ready to start. |
| Purpose | to + base verb | I called to ask a question. |
| After modals | modal + base verb | You must follow the rules. |
| Let / Make / Perception | verb + object + base verb | She made me wait. |
Last Updated on January 22, 2026
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