What is an Infinitive in English? Definition & Examples
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
- Gerund Form and Usage
- 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: Practice, Examples & PDF Worksheets
1. What is an infinitive verb example?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by "to." Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Examples include: to run, to jump, to sing. In a sentence: "I want to eat pizza." Here, "to eat" is the infinitive.
2. How do you identify infinitives in a sentence?
Identify infinitives by looking for the word "to" followed by the base form of a verb. For example, in the sentence "I plan to travel to Europe," "to travel" is the infinitive. Infinitives often function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
3. Can infinitives act as subjects?
Yes, infinitives can function as the subject of a sentence. For example, in the sentence "To err is human," "to err" is the subject of the verb "is." This shows the versatility of infinitives in English grammar.
4. What is the difference between gerund and infinitive?
The main difference lies in their form and function. A gerund ends in "-ing" (e.g., running, singing) and acts as a noun. An infinitive uses "to + base verb" (e.g., to run, to sing) and can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Choosing between them depends on the sentence structure and meaning.
5. What is an infinitive in English grammar?
In English grammar, an infinitive is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by "to" (e.g., to walk, to sleep). It functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence. Understanding infinitives is crucial for mastering English grammar.
6. Can you give examples of infinitives in sentences?
Here are some examples showcasing infinitive usage: * "I want to learn Spanish." (noun) * "The best thing to do is to wait." (adjective) * "He went to the store to buy milk." (adverb) These illustrate diverse infinitive functions in English sentences.
7. What’s the difference between an infinitive and a gerund?
An infinitive is "to" + base verb (to read), while a gerund is the -ing form of a verb (reading). Infinitives can be nouns, adjectives, or adverbs; gerunds primarily function as nouns. The choice between them impacts sentence meaning and structure.
8. Are there verbs that must be followed by infinitives?
Yes, certain verbs require an infinitive to complete their meaning. These include verbs like "want," "need," "plan," "decide," and "hope." For instance: "I want to go home." The infinitive "to go" is essential to the sentence's grammatical correctness.
9. Where can I find printable infinitives exercises with answers?
Many online resources offer printable infinitives exercises with answer keys. Search for "infinitives worksheets PDF" or "infinitives exercises with answers" to find suitable materials for practice. These resources often cater to different levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
10. What is a split infinitive, and is it wrong to use one?
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the verb (e.g., "to boldly go"). While some style guides discourage it, split infinitives are common in modern English and not grammatically incorrect. The best choice depends on context and desired emphasis.
11. What’s the difference between a bare and a full infinitive?
A full infinitive includes "to" (to swim), while a bare infinitive omits "to" (swim), usually appearing after modal verbs (can, could, should, etc.). Understanding this distinction is important for correct verb usage in sentences.
12. Can an infinitive phrase include objects or modifiers?
Yes, infinitive phrases can include objects or modifiers. For instance, in "I decided to bake a cake for my friend," "to bake a cake for my friend" is an infinitive phrase with the object "cake" and the prepositional phrase "for my friend" acting as a modifier.
13. Are infinitives ever used after prepositions?
No, infinitives are not used after prepositions. Instead, use a gerund. For example, say "She is good at singing," not "She is good at to sing." This is a common point of confusion for students of English grammar.
14. How can I quickly identify an infinitive in complex sentences?
Look for "to" followed by the base form of a verb. Try replacing the "to" phrase with a noun. If it makes sense, it is likely an infinitive. Practice identifying infinitives in various sentence structures to improve your skill.
