Page 38 - Grammar Glow - 7
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Infinitives
An infinitive is a form of a verb that expresses a mere verbal notion without predication (affirming)
it in regard to any subject.
l They tried to find fault with us.
l This house is to let.
l The mango is fit to eat.
l He was the last soldier to die on the battlefield.
l We were greatly shocked to hear the sad news.
l It is too hot to go out.
Study the above sentences carefully. The verbs printed in colour type are infinitives while those in
italics are finite verbs.
Remember
1. Each infinitive has been formed by placing to before the first form of the verb.
2. For this reason, infinitives are sometimes referred to as to-verbs also but remember that infinitives
are used without to as well.
Infinitives without—to
1. The first form of a verb after a modal is in fact, its infinitive form, Modals verbs include shall,
will, should, would, may, might, can, could, must, etc.
Read the sentences given below.
1. We will act as you wish. = We are ready to act as you wish.
2. I can do this work. = I have the capacity to do this work.
3. You should obey you elders. = It is your duty to obey your elders.
4. He must leave this house. = He is supposed to leave this house.
2. After the verbs—let, make, dare, need, bid, see, hear, help, watch, feel, etc. an infinitive may be
used without to.
1. Let the water fall down. 2. I made him do it for me.
3. You dare not touch her. 4. I bade him leave this place.
5. I saw him do it. 6. Who heard me say so?
7. You must help him do this sum. 8. They need not go there at all.
9. Roshan watched her cook food for us. 10. I felt something touch my hand.
3. Infinitives are used without to after the given words.
had better would rather than rather than but
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