The bare infinitive is a crucial element in English grammar that helps simplify sentence structures. By understanding its uses, learners can write and speak more naturally and accurately. Let’s learn definition, examples, uses, and common errors associated with the bare infinitive.
The bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without the particle “to.” It is often used after certain verbs, modal auxiliaries, and in specific grammatical constructions.
Ali can speak English fluently.
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Examples of Bare Infinitive
- Sarah can cook delicious meals.
Sarah has the ability to prepare delicious meals, and “cook” is the bare infinitive.
- They watched Ahmed play football.
Here, “play” is a bare infinitive following the verb “watched.”
- Let Boby join the group discussion.
The word “join” is used as a bare infinitive after “let.”
- You must complete the assignment today.
“Complete” is the bare infinitive used after the modal verb “must.”
- She made Areeba laugh with her jokes.
“laugh” is the bare infinitive that follows “made.”
- We heard Fatima sing beautifully.
“Sing” is the bare infinitive following the perception verb “heard.”
- The teacher let Zaid leave early.
The word “leave” is a bare infinitive after “let.”
- You should try to understand the concept better.
“Understand” is the bare infinitive following “should.”
- I saw Ali perform on stage.
“Perform” is the bare infinitive used after “saw.”
- They had Bilal write a report for the project.
The bare infinitive “write” is used after the causative verb “had.”
Uses of Bare Infinitive
The bare infinitive has specific functions in English grammar. Below are the main uses:
1. After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs such as “can,” “should,” “must,” and “will” are followed by the bare infinitive.
Example:
- Umar should study for his exams.
The verb “study” follows the modal verb “should” without “to.”
2. After Verbs of Perception
Verbs like “see,” “hear,” “feel,” “watch,” and “notice” take the bare infinitive when describing actions fully perceived.
Example:
- I saw Ayesha dance gracefully.
The bare infinitive “dance” follows the verb of perception “saw.”
3. After Causative Verbs
Causative verbs like “make,” “let,” and “have” require a bare infinitive.
Example:
- Let Bilal explain his point of view.
The word “explain” is a bare infinitive after “let.”
4. In Conditional Sentences (Omitted “to”)
When the infinitive is implied but “to” is omitted, the bare infinitive is used.
Example:
- Should he need assistance, call the teacher.
Here, “need” is a bare infinitive after the conditional auxiliary “should.”
How to Form Bare Infinitives
To form a bare infinitive, simply use the base form of the verb without adding “to.”
✅ She can swim well. (Bare infinitive)
❌ She can to swim well. (Adding “to” is unnecessary.)
Key Rule: If a modal verb, perception verb, or causative verb precedes the action, use the bare infinitive.
Common Errors with Bare Infinitives
Learners often confuse the bare infinitive with the full infinitive. Below are some common mistakes:
1. Using “to” After Modal Verbs
- ❌ You should to learn the rules.
- ✅ You should learn the rules.
2. Forgetting the Bare Infinitive After Causative Verbs
- ❌ They made him to apologize for his mistake.
- ✅ They made him apologize for his mistake.
3. Adding “to” After Perception Verbs
- ❌ I saw her to sing beautifully.
- ✅ I saw her sing beautifully.
The Difference Between Bare Infinitive and Full Infinitive
| Feature | Bare Infinitive | Full Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Base verb (no “to”) | Base verb + “to” |
| Example | “run” | “to run” |
| Usage | After modal verbs, causative verbs, perception verbs | After adjectives, nouns, certain verbs |
| Correct Usage | I can swim. | I want to swim. |
The key distinction is the inclusion of “to” in the full infinitive, which is required in different grammatical contexts.
FAQs
A bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without “to” in front of it. It is used in specific grammatical structures.
She can run faster than anyone.
The bare infinitive is the base verb without “to” (e.g., “run”), while the full infinitive includes “to” (e.g., “to run”). Their usage depends on the grammatical construction.
No, a bare infinitive cannot follow “to.” The word “to” is part of the full infinitive, and the base verb without “to” cannot be used in this context.
She can run faster than anyone.
We saw him leave the house.
You must finish your work before leaving.
Did they call you yesterday?
I would rather stay home tonight.
Let them play in the garden.
You should help your parents with chores.
They made her apologize for being late.
I heard him sing a beautiful song.
We need to plan, but let’s first eat.
Conclusion
Understanding the bare infinitive is essential for mastering English grammar. Its usage after modal verbs, causative verbs, and verbs of perception simplifies sentence structure and enhances fluency. By recognizing the key rules and avoiding common errors, learners can confidently use the bare infinitive in their writing and speech.
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