s
Category : 10th Class
The Infinitive is formed by adding 'to', expressed or understood, before the verb. Infinitive is a form of 'non-finite verb' which is used with 'to' or without 'to'.
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He came to play. (Infinitive with 'to') Learn to read. (Infinitive with 'to')
Uses of Infinitive
1. Infinitive is used for the following purpose:
(A) As a Subject.
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To walk in the morning is a good exercise. (Subject)
(B) As an Object.
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Everybody likes to enjoy. (Object)
(C) As a complement of the Verb.
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She is to leave. (Complement)
(D) To tell any purpose or cause.
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(i) Sumit called his brother to live with him. (purpose)
(ii) The father started weeping to see his son dead. (cause)
2. Object + To +
is used after ask, advice, allow, command, force, forbid, invite, encourage, compel, beg, order, imagine, instruct, permit, persuade, tell, require, remind, teach, etc.
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(i) The teacher advised me to complete the sum at once. (
of advise Object to
)
(ii) The lady compelled you to pay all her debts. (
of compel Object to
)
3. Object + To +
or simply, To +
is used after like, want, wish, promise, etc.
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(i) I want everyone to listen to this music. (want Object to
)
(ii) I want to leave now. (want to
)
4. Infinitive is used directly after certain Verbs like - appear, seem, attempt, try, Endeavour, begin, decide, desire, remember, forget, stop, fail, happen, hurry, refuse, promise, prove, etc.
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(i) The labourers refused to work for the builder. (
of 'refuse' to
)
(ii) Shyam failed to pass the driving test. (
of 'fail' to
)
5. Infinitive is used by adding 'know' after - how, where, when, why.
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(i) I know how to write a précis. (how Infinitive)
(ii) They know where / why / when to send the parcel. (Infinitive)
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