In English grammar, an infinitive is the support form of a verb that can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. “Infinitive” hails from the Latin word infinitus, meaning endless. The infinitive is a verbal word derived from a verb that does not act as a verb that is almost always preceded by the particle “to.”
Examples of Infinitive Verbs
Common Infinitive Verbs
- to be (I want to be an astronaut.)
- to dream (James dares to dream about getting the job.)
- to have (We’re going to have a baby.)
- to hold (Do you want to hold the puppy?)
- to look (I’m afraid to look at the messy room.)
- to read (The first graders are learning to read this year.)
- to write (I’m planning to write a letter to the company.)
- to sleep (It’s time to sleep.)
- to throw (If Gina doesn’t get her way, she’s going to throw a tantrum.)
- to want (It’s natural to want your team to win.)
Infinitive Verbs as Nouns
- We decided to go out.
- I want to swim in the pool.
- Mom loves to give gifts.
- Do you swear to tell the truth?
- I’d prefer to see an action movie.
- He reminded her to go downtown.
- To dance is my little girl’s dream.
- I would like to thank you for coming out tonight.
- He does not like to drink soda from a can.
- I forgot to take my vitamins today.
Infinitive Verbs as Adjectives
- Do you have any laundry to wash?
- My favorite meal to make is macaroni and cheese.
- The best method to use is the hands-on method.
- The Superbowl is the game to watch.
- Peter is a difficult guy to understand.
- He certainly gave me something to think about.
- That watch is a valuable heirloom to pass down.
- This is the most important thing to know.
- You’ll always have a sister to confide in.
- History is my least favorite subject to study.
Infinitive Verbs as Adverbs
- Billie is finally ready to go.
- I climbed the mountain to see the view.
- Read the manual to understand more about repairing the stereo.
- Cameron travels to see the world.
- I bought a patch to stop smoking.
- My dad will be so happy to meet you!
- You are so easy to talk to.
- Kelly went to the store to buy apples.
- Let’s buy snow gear to go skiing.
- I went to college to become an engineer.
Examples of Bare Infinitives
- I can wait for the results. (NOT “I can to wait for the results”)
- Should we call our parents? (NOT “Should we to call our parents?”)
- Henry might lend us his truck. (NOT “Henry might to lend us his truck.”)
- Our family will be okay. (NOT “Our family will to be okay.
