English grammar: Infinitives

What this grammar point covers

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually with 'to' in front (for example, 'to eat', 'to go'). In English, infinitives are often used after certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns.

When to use it

Use the infinitive after many verbs (like 'want', 'need', 'decide'), after some adjectives (like 'easy to use'), and to show purpose (why you do something: 'I went to the store to buy milk').

Key forms

• 'to' + base verb (to eat, to go, to study)
• Bare infinitive (base verb without 'to'), used after some verbs like 'make', 'let', 'help' (make him go, let her try, help me do)

Examples

Tips

• Do not use 'to' after modal verbs (can, must, should): say 'can go', not 'can to go'.
• Some verbs are followed by the infinitive with 'to', others are not. Learn which verbs use which form.
• Be careful: 'to' can also be a preposition, not just part of the infinitive.

Exceptions and edge cases

• After some verbs like 'make', 'let', and 'help', use the base verb without 'to' (bare infinitive).
• After modal verbs (can, could, must, should, etc.), use the base verb without 'to'.