12 Infinitive and -ing forms of verbs (1) Infinitive

Infinitive

Dialog

Alright, listen up, you. I'm going to explain something super important about English verbs, even if you probably won't get it at first. But I guess someone has to make sure you pass your grammar test.

Uh, okay. I'm listening. I always get confused with verbs. Are we talking about... like, 'ran' and 'run'? Or 'swimming' versus 'to swim'? It always feels like a trick question.

Exactly! You actually hit on part of it. We're talking about infinitives and -ing forms. It sounds fancy, but it's really just about how verbs can look different sometimes. Don't look so worried, it’s not that hard if you just try.

Right. Try. I'll try my best. So, infinitives... what even are they?

An infinitive is the simplest form of a verb. Like 'run,' 'eat,' 'sleep.' It's what you use after 'I,' 'you,' 'we,' or 'they' in the present tense. But often, it comes with 'to' in front, and we call that a 'full infinitive' or 'infinitive with to.' Like to ask. Most of the time when people say 'infinitive' they actually mean the 'to' version. It’s not like I’m going to repeat myself for you.

So, 'run' is an infinitive, and 'to run' is also an infinitive? That's kind of confusing already.

Just remember the 'to' version for now. Anyway, we use infinitives to do a few things. Sometimes, they just add more information to a sentence. Other times, they explain why you do something, or what something is for.

Why do I need to know why? Isn't "I went to the store" enough?

Well, yeah, but what if you went to the store to buy milk? The 'to buy milk' explains your reason, right? That's an infinitive in action! It's like adding a little bonus detail without making a whole new sentence. It's not like I enjoy explaining this stuff, but you need to understand it.

Oh! So, 'to buy' is the infinitive there! I think I get that part. So, where else do they show up?

Okay, good, you’re not a total lost cause. Infinitives pop up everywhere. You use them after certain verbs like 'want,' 'hope,' 'need,' 'promise.' So you'd say, I wanted to meet him, or They hoped to get back early. See?

Yeah, I've heard that. "I want to go home."

Exactly! Now, they also come after a verb and an object. Like, if someone asks you to do something. You'd say, Who asked Valentine to come to the party? Or, The police required everyone to stay in the room. The 'to come' and 'to stay' are the infinitives.

That makes sense. My mom always tells me to clean my room. Is 'to clean' an infinitive there?

Wow, you actually got one right without me practically drawing it for you. Yes, it is. Now, pay attention because this next part is easy for clever people, so it should be easy for you too. You also use infinitives after certain adjectives. If you're 'sorry to be a nuisance' or if it's 'necessary to make so much noise.' They describe feelings or what's important.

So, 'I'm happy to help'?

That's another perfect example! See? You can do it when you actually try. Sometimes those adjectives even come with 'for,' like 'Is it possible for everyone to be here early?'

This is a lot to remember. I'm feeling a little anxious to learn all this.

Stop being so dramatic. It's not that much. And speaking of 'too' – you use infinitives after 'too' plus an adjective or too much/many. Like, I'm too old to learn new tricks, or There's too much information to digest. You're not too stupid to learn this, though. Probably.

Thanks, I think. So, the opposite of 'too,' like 'enough'?

Smart boy. Yes, 'enough' also uses infinitives. I'm fit enough to play, or Do you have enough money to get home? You just stick the infinitive after 'enough.'

Okay, so adjectives are followed by infinitives a lot. What about nouns?

Yes, some nouns too. Especially nouns about feelings or needs, like 'desire' or 'need.' So, I have no desire to hurt you, or There's a great need to improve our service. We don't use it with all nouns, though, just specific ones or in certain fixed phrases. It's not like you’ll need to remember every single one. Just the common ones I’m telling you.

Got it. What about... like, 'why' questions?

Ah, yes. Sometimes you use infinitives after 'question words' in indirect questions. Things like 'how,' 'what,' 'when,' 'where.' For example, I don't know how to respond, or She hasn't decided whether to stay. But here's the catch: the person doing the 'not knowing' has to be the same person who's 'responding.' Like, I don't know how I should respond.

So I can't say, "I don't know how you to respond"?

Exactly! Finally, something you understand easily. You can also use infinitives as the subject of a sentence, though it sounds a bit formal, like To eat would be stupid if you are planning to swim. Or as part of the complement, especially with 'it' at the start: It would be stupid to drink if you are planning to drive. And don't forget 'going to' and 'used to' for future plans or past habits. I'm going to see her tomorrow. Doctors used to make more home calls. The 'to see' and 'to make' there are infinitives too.

Wow, that's a lot. But you made it sound... not impossible. Thank you.

Hmph. Don't get ahead of yourself. It's just because I explained it properly. Not because you're suddenly smart or anything. Now, go review this. I expect you to remember it.

Key Points

• What infinitives look like: The simplest form of a verb. Often, it's used with 'to' in front, called a 'full infinitive' or 'infinitive with to.' Example: to ask.
• What infinitives do: They add more information, explain the reason or purpose for something, act as the subject or complement of a sentence, or are part of certain verb tenses.
• Infinitives after certain verbs: Used after verbs like 'want,' 'hope,' 'need,' 'promise' to show what someone desires or aims to do. Example: I wanted to meet him.
• Infinitives after certain verb + object combinations: Used when a verb and an object are followed by an action, such as 'ask someone to do something' or 'tell someone to do something.' Example: Who asked Valentine to come to the party?
• Infinitives after certain adjectives: Used after adjectives that describe feelings (like 'sorry,' 'happy') or possibilities and necessities (like 'necessary,' 'possible'). Example: I'm sorry to be a nuisance.
• Infinitives after 'too + adjective/much/many + noun': Used to describe something as excessive, followed by an action. Example: I'm too old to learn new tricks.
• Infinitives after 'adjective + enough' or 'enough (+ noun)': Used to describe having a sufficient amount or quality for an action. Example: I'm fit enough to play.
• Infinitives after certain nouns and noun expressions: Used with nouns that express desires, wishes, or needs, often in fixed phrases. Example: I have no desire to hurt you.
• Infinitives to explain reason or purpose (after a direct object): Used to explain why an action was done or what something is for. Example: He borrowed the drill to put up more shelves.
• Infinitives after 'question words' in indirect questions: Used after words like 'how,' 'what,' 'when,' 'where' in questions that are embedded in a sentence, provided the subject of the main verb and the infinitive verb is the same. Example: I don't know how to respond.
• Infinitives as subjects and complements: Can act as the subject of a sentence (less common in speech) or as part of the complement, especially when starting with 'it.' Example: To eat would be stupid or It would be stupid to drink.
• Infinitives in certain tense forms: Used as the main verb in the 'going to' future (e.g., I'm going to see her tomorrow) and after 'used to' for past habits (e.g., Doctors used to make more home calls).

Reference: Martin Parrott, "Grammar for English Language Teachers 2ed" p170 - p174