THE INFINITIVE

 

Structure:  The infinitive is usually made up of to plus the simple form of the verb. The simple form sometimes can appear without the to.  When combined with auxiliaries, the infinitive has several forms.

To write (simple)

To have written  (perfect)

To be writing  (progressive)

To have been writing  (perfect progressive)

To be written  (passive)

To have been written  (perfect passive)

The infinitive may have a subject or an object or both. Notice that if the subject of an infinitive is a pronoun, it must be an object pronoun. Examples:

We asked John to study more.

We asked him to study more.

John likes to play basketball.

We prefer to read mystery stories.

She invited us to visit her farm.

The infinitive is sometimes used without to when it follows the prepositions but, except, and besides.

 She does nothing    but/except/besides    sing all day long.

The infinitive without to is used following verbs of causing, such as let, help, make, see and verbs of sense such as watch, hear, feel.  Notice that the infinitive has a subject—a noun or an object pronoun.

 Please let me study here.

I helped him pass the examination.

I made John answer the letter.

I saw you take the money.

I watched the bird make its nest.

I felt the weather become warm.

I felt her anger increase.

They heard the bird make a strange noise.