Infinitives exercises with answers and usage rules
Infinitives are a core part of English grammar. Understanding infinitives makes writing and speaking clearer, helps in school exams, and supports daily English use. This page, with practice and examples, will help you master infinitives for school, competitive exams, and daily life.
| Infinitive | Type | Example in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| to run | To-infinitive | I like to run in the park. |
| to swim | To-infinitive | To swim is fun for many children. |
| run | Bare infinitive | He can run very fast. |
What is an Infinitive in English?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually with “to” at the start. It is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb in sentences. Examples: to eat, to go, to read. Mastering infinitives helps in writing better essays and answering grammar questions.
Types and Uses of Infinitives
Infinitives come in two main types: the to-infinitive (to + verb) and bare infinitive (just the verb). Infinitives can act as subjects, objects, or modifiers in a sentence. This makes them flexible tools for expressing ideas in both writing and speech.
Examples of Infinitive Uses
- Subject: To read helps you learn.
- Object: She wants to study.
- Adjective: I have a plan to win.
- Adverb: He came to help.
Infinitives vs. Gerunds
Both infinitives and gerunds can act as nouns. An infinitive uses “to + verb” (to go). A gerund is the -ing form of the verb (going). Each has special rules for use and some verbs are followed by only one or the other.
| Form | Usage Example | Common Verbs With |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive (to eat) | I want to eat lunch. | want, hope, decide, promise |
| Gerund (eating) | I enjoy eating lunch. | enjoy, avoid, admit, finish |
Infinitives Exercises with Answers
Practice is the key to mastering infinitives. Try the examples below. Answers are given for each, with step-by-step explanation where needed.
-
She hopes ______ (to visit/visiting) her grandmother soon.
Answer: to visit -
______ (To learn/Learning) a new language is exciting.
Answer: To learn -
Children love ______ (to play/playing) outside after school.
Answer: to play -
He made me ______ (to laugh/laugh) at the joke.
Answer: laugh (bare infinitive after 'make') -
They want ______ (to help/help) their friends.
Answer: to help
Common Mistakes with Infinitives
Mistakes often occur with verb patterns. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
- Wrong: I suggested to go for a walk.
Right: I suggested going for a walk. - Wrong: She let him to drive the car.
Right: She let him drive the car. - Wrong: He enjoys to play football.
Right: He enjoys playing football.
Downloadable Infinitives Worksheets and PDF
For extra practice, you can download printable worksheets with answers. Use these resources anytime for revision. Infinitives and Gerunds Worksheet (PDF) is a great place to start.
Why Infinitives Matter in English
Infinitives are important for making correct sentences, speaking fluently, and writing well. They help in exams and daily life, and are often tested in school grammar sections. At Vedantu, we make grammar practice simple, clear, and focused on your success.
Related English Grammar Resources
- Finite and Non-Finite Verbs Exercises
- Verbs + Infinitives Guide
- Class 8 English Grammar
- Basics of Grammar
- Vedantu English Grammar
In summary, knowing how and when to use infinitives strengthens your grammar for exams and real-life. With practice exercises, clear examples, and downloadable worksheets, Vedantu helps you master infinitives and improve your English skills with confidence.
FAQs on Infinitives Exercises for Grammar Practice
1. What is an infinitive in English grammar?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb usually preceded by to, such as to eat, to run, or to study. It is not limited by tense or subject and can function as different parts of speech in a sentence.
- Example: To learn English is important.
- Example: She wants to travel.
- Infinitives can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
2. What are the types of infinitives in English?
The main types of infinitives are the full infinitive and the bare infinitive. These forms are used in different grammatical structures.
- Full infinitive: to + base verb (e.g., to read)
- Bare infinitive: base verb without “to” (e.g., read)
- Bare infinitives are often used after modal verbs like can, must, and will.
3. How do you use infinitives as nouns in a sentence?
An infinitive functions as a noun when it acts as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. In this role, it names an action.
- Subject: To exercise is healthy.
- Object: She loves to dance.
- Complement: His goal is to win.
4. How are infinitives used as adjectives?
An infinitive acts as an adjective when it describes a noun by explaining its purpose or function. It usually comes after the noun it modifies.
- She has a book to read.
- He found a place to stay.
- The infinitive answers the question “Which one?” or “What kind?”
5. How do infinitives function as adverbs?
An infinitive functions as an adverb when it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often expressing purpose or reason. It commonly answers “Why?”
- She studies hard to pass the exam. (Why?)
- He was happy to see her.
- They left early to avoid traffic.
6. What is the difference between a gerund and an infinitive?
The main difference between a gerund and an infinitive is that a gerund ends in -ing and functions as a noun, while an infinitive uses to + base verb. Both can act as subjects or objects but follow different verbs.
- Gerund: Swimming is fun.
- Infinitive: To swim is fun.
- Example contrast: She enjoys reading, but she wants to travel.
7. When do we use the bare infinitive in English?
The bare infinitive is used without “to,” mainly after modal verbs, certain verbs of perception, and verbs like make and let. It keeps the verb in its base form.
- After modals: She can drive.
- After let/make: He made me laugh.
- After perception verbs: I saw her leave.
8. What are common verbs followed by infinitives?
Many English verbs are commonly followed by a to-infinitive, especially verbs expressing desire, plans, or decisions. These verbs require “to + base verb.”
- Want: I want to learn.
- Decide: She decided to stay.
- Hope, plan, agree, promise, refuse
9. What is a split infinitive and is it correct?
A split infinitive occurs when a word, usually an adverb, comes between “to” and the verb, and it is grammatically acceptable in modern English. It is often used for clarity or emphasis.
- Example: She decided to quickly finish the work.
- Traditional rule discouraged splitting, but modern usage allows it.
- Avoid it only if it makes the sentence awkward.
10. What are common mistakes with infinitives in English?
Common infinitive mistakes include confusing gerunds and infinitives, omitting “to” when required, or adding “to” after modal verbs. Understanding verb patterns helps avoid these errors.
- Incorrect: She can to swim. (Correct: She can swim.)
- Incorrect: He suggested to go. (Correct: He suggested going.)
- Learn which verbs take gerunds and which take infinitives.
