Bare Infinitive and Full Infinitive Usage

This page outlines the rules for using bare infinitive and full infinitive forms in English, providing clear guidelines and examples for each case.

Bare Infinitive

The bare infinitive form is used in several specific contexts:

A) After modal verbs such as can, could, may, might, should, shall, ought to, must, mustn't, need, will, would, needn't, dare, and daren't.

Example: You must tell her you love her.

B) Following the verbs 'let' and 'make'.

Example: They made me go to work.

C) When describing an action observed in its entirety with verbs related to senses, including see, hear, notice, smell, feel, and watch.

Example: I saw him cross the street.

D) After certain expressions like 'had better' and 'would rather'.

Example: You'd better not do it!

Full Infinitive

The full infinitive form (to + verb) is used in various situations:

A) After specific expressions such as:

• It's a good reason to...
• It's about time...
• It's easy...
• It's hard/difficult...
• It's high time...
• It's kind/nice of you...
• Would like...
• Would love...
• Would prefer...

Example: It's nice of you to help me.

B) In sentences with 'too' or 'enough'.

Example: I am too shy to talk. / We've got enough money to buy a new car.

C) When expressing purpose, where 'to' can be translated as 'in order to' or 'so as to'.

Example: We came to talk. (We came in order to talk.)

Highlight: Understanding the distinction between bare infinitive and full infinitive is crucial for mastering English grammar and constructing sentences correctly.

Vocabulary:

• Bare infinitive: The base form of a verb without 'to' (e.g., go, speak, eat).
• Full infinitive: The base form of a verb preceded by 'to' (e.g., to go, to speak, to eat).

This comprehensive guide on gerund infinitive usage provides clear rules and examples to help learners navigate the complexities of English verb forms. Practicing with gerund infinitive exercises can further reinforce these concepts.