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Infinitives Definition

Infinitives

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The infinitive usually occurs with 'To' (for example To go, To come, To wear etc.), except after an auxiliary or modal verb.

It is a verb form that shows no person, tense or aspect.

EXAMPLES OF THE INFINITIVE:

I had to go
I must go
I want to sing
To err is human
You don't know her
You may come

The following verb forms are derived from the Infinitive:

i/ Imperative (same as Infinitive but without 'To')

ii/ Present Simple (same as Infinitive without 'To' but the third person singular takes 's')

iii/ Present Participle or Gerund (add 'ing')

See Also:

Auxiliary Verb; Ditransitive Verb; Dynamic Verb; Finite Verb; Inchoative Verb; Intransitive Verb; Irregular Verb; Modal Verb; Non-finite Verb; Phrasal Verb; Regular Verb; Stative Verb; Transitive Verb; Verb Group; Verb Phrase

Category:

Gerunds and Infinitives

Related to 'Infinitives'


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