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English Grammar

Infinitives

Infinitives are forms like (to) write and (to) read. Infinitives are generally used with the marker to. Note that this to is not a preposition; after the preposition to we use –ing forms.

  • I would like to meet the manager.
  • Is there anything to eat?
  • The main thing is to stay calm.
Negative forms

Negative Infinitives are normally formed by putting not before the infinitive.

  • I decided to invite them. (affirmative)
  • I decided not to invite them. (negative )
  • You were silly not to have locked the car. (NOT You were silly to not have locked the car.)
Sections In This Article
Infinitives
Infinitives: forms
Infinitives without to
To-infinitives
Infinitive with its own subject
For-structures after adjectives
For-structures after verbs
For-structures: other uses
Infinitive clauses of purpose
Verbs that can be followed by infinitives
Adjectives that can be followed by infinitives
Nouns that can be followed by infinitives

 

 

 


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