35 Infinitive
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Introduction
The infinitive is the basic form of a verb, and we use it to form other verbal tenses.
Form
There are two forms of the infinitive:
- The zero infinitive consists only of the base form of the verb (work).
- The to-infinitive consists of to and the base form of the verb (to work).
Example
- Zero infinitive
- I can speak Spanish.
- He can count to ten.
- They can write in Russian.
- To-infinitive
- I asked him to teach me French.
- She loves to paint with watercolours.
- We hope to find a yellow dress.
Use
Zero and to-infinitives are used as a basis for the formation of other tenses.
Summary
The infinitive is the basic form of a verb. We can distinguish it into:
- Zero infinitive: base form of the verb.
- To-infinitive: base form of the verb preceded by to-.
For example:
— “She can play football.”
— “You love to play football.”
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
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