The Infinitive

The Infinitive is a non-finite form of the verb. It is the basic form of a verb which is normally used with the particle 'to'. In the negative infinitive ‘not’ comes before ‘to’: not (to) do, not (to) have done. The infinitive without ‘to’ is called a bare infinitive. Let me go. If there is a word between the ‘to’ and the verb, it’s called a split infinitive. It would take ages to really master the subject.

The Infinitive has double nature. It combines verbal and nominal characteristics.

Verbal Characteristics of the Infinitive

1. It names a process or an action in the most general way.

2. It has three verbal categories.

- correlation: to do – to have done

- aspect: to do – to be doing

- voice: to do – to be done

e.g.: He must have been surfing the Net till the morning. (perfect continuous active infinitive)

He pretended to be sleeping. (non-perfect continuous active inf.)

A large range of species are to be seen in the aquarium. (non-perfect non-continuous passive infinitive)

3. It has the valency of the verb: We can put an object or an adverbial modifier after the infinitive.

e.g.: I want to play some records (object) now (adv. mod.).

4. The infinitive is used as

- the predicate in infinitive sentences: Why not go for a walk.

- a part of a compound verbal predicate: You should write a letter. He began to write a letter.

Nominal Characteristics of the Infinitive

5. The syntactic functions of the infinitive are similar to those of the noun

- subject: To do anything else would be a mistake.

- predicative: His dearest wish was to have a son.

- object: I can’t afford to buy a car.

- attribute: I have no more money to spend.

- adv. modifier: I left early so as to avoid traffic jams.