The infinitive
The Infinitive is a non-finite form of the verb, which names a process in a most general way. The Infinitive is historically a noun and it still has some noun characteristics, that is - it can be used in the sentence in the syntactical functions in which the noun is usually used.
The most typical syntactic functions of the noun are those of subject and object.
To know a foreign language is to know its grammar.
She decided to-say no. -
The infinitive combines noun features with those of a verb.
Its verbal characteristics are as follows:
The infinitive of transitive verbs can take a direct object.
He wanted to read this book
The infinitive can be modified by an adverb.
I cannot write so quickly
The infinitive has tense and aspect distinctions; the infinitive of transitive verbs has also voice distinctions.
In Modern English the infinitive has the following forms.
|
|
ACTIVE |
PASSIVE |
|
INDEFINITE |
To do |
To be done |
|
CONTINUOUS |
To be doing |
___________ |
|
PERFECT |
To have done |
To have been done |
|
PERFECT CONTINUOUS |
To have been doing |
___________ |
The indefinite infinitive expresses an action simultaneous with the action expressed by the finite verb, so it may refer to the present, past or future.
I am glad to see you.
I was glad to see you.
I’ll be glad to see you.
The continuous infinitive also denotes an action simultaneous with that expressed by the finite verb, but it is an action in progress
The weather seems to be improving
The perfect infinitive denotes an action preceding to the action expressed by the finite verb.
I am glad to have visited you.
!!Note!!: after the verbs to be, to expect, to hope, to intend, to mean the perfect form of the infinitive expresses the action that was not carried out. I hoped to have met him (but I didn’t) I expected her to have read it (‘but she didn’t).
The perfect Continuous infinitive denotes an action which tasted a certain time before the action of the finite verb.
I’m glad to have been living in M. so long.
The particle “to” before the Infinitive
The Infinitive is used without “to” in the following cases:
after auxiliary, modal verbs (except “ought”) and modal phrases (had better, would rather, cannot but do nothing but, would sooner, do anything but, couldn’t but)
I’ll come soon I don’t understand you. You must do it at once I would rather not speak about it. She cannot hut think so.
In complexes with the infinitive after some verbs expressing physical perception: to see, to hear, to feel to notice, to watch.
I saw them cross the street. She felt her heart jump
!!NOTE!!: the verb “to be” after the verb “to feel” is used with the particle “to”. I felt it to be wrong. - The verb “to feel” is a verb of mental perception here.
after the verbs of compulsion:
to make, to let, to have(допускать), to bid-bade-bidden(bid)(предлагать, приказывать). Let us examine all these facts. I bade him go out.
!!NOTE!!: all the verbs in 2) and 3) cases require an infinitive with “to” when they are used in the passive form. He was seen to drive a car. He was made to do it.
the particle “to” is dropped out in special question beginning with “why”. Why do it? Why not tell them?
After the verb “to help” the infinitive may be used with or without “to”. Help me (to) lift the box.
the particle “to” is often used without the infinitive if it is easily understood from the context. He wants me to go there hut I don’t want to.