Infinitive, Definition, Examples, Uses, Rules, Exercise or worksheet, pdf

An infinite number of things exists. Infinitive is a word used to describe something that has no limits and does not have any boundaries or specific definition. Examples of infinitives include: never-ending, endless, infinity

Infinitives are one of the most common types of verbs in English. They can be used as a verb, an adverb, or a noun. There are many different infinitive forms that can be used depending on which tense you want to use them in. Infinitives also have a wide range of uses and meanings, but they always end with “to”.

Infinitive, definition, examples, activity or worksheet for students in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Uses, Rules, pdf.

Infinitive is a word that may be used in a variety of ways. An infinitive is a term that is not restricted by the person or number of the subject. It is, in reality, a kind of noun with noun-like characteristics. As a result, it’s also considered a verb-noun.

Examples:

1. I like speaking English.
2. She enjoys swimming.

A Finite verb is constrained by the subject’s person of number.

Examples:

1. I am a huge music fan.
2. She enjoys listening to music.
3. They are huge fans of music.

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The use of the infinitive

• In the role of a verb’s subject.

Examples:

1. It’s simple to provide advice to others.
2. It is tough to learn English.
3. It’s difficult to satisfy Padma.

Note: A preliminary subject of ‘it’ must be used in these phrases.

Examples:

1. It is simple to provide advice to others.
2. Learning English is challenging.
3. Padma is difficult to please.

• When you’re the subject of a transitive verb, you’re the object of the verb.

Examples:

1. My ambition is to become a poet.
2. He enjoys reading books.
3. We recommend that you go to Agra. 

• When used as a verb’s complement

Examples:

1. Our greatest joy comes from assisting the underprivileged.
2. It is my dream to marry her. 
3. Her intention is to relocate to Australia.

• As a preposition’s subject

Examples:

1. I didn’t have an option except to give up hope.
2. We’re going to get down to business.

Examples:

1. We overheard him conversing with his father. 
2. We discovered her opening the door. 
3. Madhavi gave me a kind grin.

• To communicate the intent of a verb by qualifying it

Examples:

1. Padmaja was the woman I wanted to marry.
2. Madhavi is who we’ve come to see.
3. To broaden my horizons, I read novels.

Examples:

1. We are delighted to be sitting in the garden.
2. Padma is difficult to please. 
3. English is a challenging language to master.

Examples:

1. It’s not the right moment for a nap. 
2. I need to post the letters.
3. She is responsible for a kid.

Examples:

1. To be honest, we have no issues with you.
2. To put it frankly, we are in desperate need of funds.
3. To be honest, I am unable to assist you.

Use of the Simple Infinitive

The following verbs are used with the bare infinitive:

Examples:

1. I told him to go. 
2. Allow him to talk.
3. She taught me about life.
4. I assisted her in learning English.
5. Madhavi mentioned me to her buddy, which I overheard.
6. You don’t have to be concerned about it.
7. She didn’t dare to talk to her father.

Note: The main verbs used with the ‘to’ infinitive are dare and require.

Examples:

1. Did he take the risk of jumping into the river?
2. We’ll need two days to complete the task.

Examples:

1. I’m going to go there.
2. That is something you should be aware of.
3. She intends to pay the money.
4. They would be willing to assist me.
5. You may do it the next day.
6. You may be telling me the truth.
7. You are welcome to wait here.
8. She may be able to explain the poetry to me.
9. He performed an excellent job.
10. He is required to repay the funds.

Examples:

1. You had a greater chance consult a good doctor.
2. You having been fairly speak to her about it.
3. I like to work hard rather than relax.

• Using Specific Prepositions

For instance, unless, but, and than

Examples:

1. Padma does nothing except point the finger at others.
2. I can do anything but comprehend her personality.
3. I would die instead of accept defeat.

Note that ‘to’ Infinitives may be used in lieu of bare infinitives.

Examples:

1. I have the ability to instruct. (I have the ability to instruct)
2. She admonished me to be patient. (She requested that I wait.)
3. Allow me to share some information with you. (Please allow me to share something with you.)
4. I have to show her respect. (Either I should respect her or I am obligated to respect her.)
5. I’m going to punish her. (I’m hell-bent on punishing her.)

The Infinitive Split

Splitting an infinitive in the middle is typically considered incorrect.

Examples:

1. Madhavi is expected to read the letter attentively. (wrong)
2. Madhavi, I expect you to read the letter attentively. (right)
3. She attempted to describe the matter as plainly as she could. (wrong)
4. She attempted to describe the matter as plainly as she could. (right)

Note that the adverb might come before or after the infinitive.

The Infinite Rules

Rule 1

After auxiliary verbs like shall, will, can, may, should, must, and so on, the infinitive without to is used. However, there is one exception.

Examples:

1. You must complete your task.
2. He has a chance to win this match.
3. You must follow the law.
4. Respect for your elders is essential.

Rule 2

Except when need and dare are conjugated with ‘to,’ the infinitive without to is used following the verbs did, let, make, need, dare, see, hear, and so on.

Examples:

1. I forbade him from handling your book.
2. I forced him to sit in the sunlight.
3. You are not required to go there.

Rule 3

Tell, order, invite, compel, allow, permit, teach, instruct, warn, urge, advise, entice, encourage, request, prohibit, exhibit, remind, etc. are some of the verbs that are followed by object + infinitive.

Examples:

1. I told him he couldn’t touch my books.
2. I told him he couldn’t leave the workplace.
3. I urged him not to run for office.
4. He told me that I had to complete the task.

Rule 4

The infinitive without to is also used after had a greater chance, having been fairly, would rather, sooner than later, instead of, need not, etc.

Examples:

1. You having been fairly take rest.
2. You had a greater chance get your blood tested.

Rule 5

After the prepositions ‘but’ and ‘than,’ the infinitive without to is used.

Examples:

1. He didn’t do anything except chuckle. (Incorrect)
2. He just did one thing: laugh. (Correct)
3. He did nothing except chuckle. (Incorrect)
4. He did nothing except chuckle. (Correct)

Rule 6

The Infinitive Split, that is the separation of ‘to’ from its verb by inserting an adverb or adverbial phrase between the two is wrong, because ‘to’ is regarded as part of the verb.

As a result, it should come just before the verb.

Examples:

1. I went to view the issue for myself. (Incorrect)
2. I personally visited the location to assess the problem. (Correct)
3. I respectfully urge that you consider my application. (Incorrect)
4. I respectfully urge that you consider my application. (Correct)

Rule 7

It is not proper English to leave the infinitive’s ‘to’ pendent, i.e., without a verb following it, allowing the verb to be inferred.

Examples:

1. I’m not going there until it’s really necessary.
2. I didn’t remain until it was absolutely necessary.

Rule 8

If the verbs in the two infinitives are synonymous, the ‘to’ of one infinitive may be made to perform the same function as the ‘to’ of another infinitive.

Examples:

1. He aided my advancement and success. (Incorrect)
2. He aided my advancement and success. (Correct)

(Because development and prosperity are interchangeable terms)

Rule 9

However, if two distinct thoughts are stated by two infinitives, the later infinitive’s ‘to’ should not be left out.

Examples:

1. It is entirely within my control whether I succeed or fail. (Incorrect)
2. It is entirely within my power to succeed or fail. (Correct)
3. It is suggested that we celebrate and cry with others. (Incorrect)
4. It is suggested that we celebrate and cry with others. (Correct)

Rule 10

Unless it reflects an action that occurs before the major verb, an infinitive should be written in the present tense. 

Examples:

1. I wish I had been able to attend. (Incorrect)
2. I really wanted to go. (Correct)
3. He seemed to be having a good time in Mumbai. (Incorrect)
4. He seems to have had a good time in Mumbai. (Correct)

Rule 11

When using the infinitive to qualify a noun, it must be followed by the same preposition as if the verbs were finite.

Examples:

1. I handed him a pen with which he could write. (Incorrect)
2. I handed him a pen with which he could write. (Correct)
3. He doesn’t have any paper to write on. (Incorrect)
4. He doesn’t have any paper with which to write. (Correct)

Exercise with the Infinitive Verb

Using the infinitive, join the following pairs of phrases.

pdf indefinite

pdf indefinite Infinitive in English PDF download (534 downloads)

The “gerund definition and examples pdf” is a document that contains definitions and examples of gerunds. Gerunds are words that end in “-ing”. They can also be verbs, nouns or adjectives. The word “infinite” is an example of a gerund.

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