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
- I can listen to music all day.
- He can dance really well.
- They can go to the circus.
- I asked him to teach me to read.
- She loves to visit the cathedral.
- We hope to find the information office.
Use
We use zero and to-infinitives 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.