Skills

Levels

Infinitives

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Infinitives are defined as to + base form of the verb. They have several functions.

1. Used as subjects and subject complements.

To know me is to love me.

To live in Hawaii is my lifetime dream.

2. Used as objects following certain verbs.*

I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your gift.

He hesitated to ask the embarrassing question.

3. Used as a shortened form of in order to.

You must take this medicine (in order) to get well.

I went to the bank to cash a check.

Infinitives can sometimes take objects of their own.

We hope to find the person who did this.

I was asked to make a dessert for the potluck dinner.

*These verbs are commonly followed by infinitives.

afford

beg

decide

forget

intend

mean

prepare

seem

threaten


agree

begin

demand

go

know how

need

pretend

start

try


appear

care

deserve

happen

learn

neglect

promise

stop

volunteer


arrange

choose

desire

hate

like

offer

refuse

struggle

wait


ask

claim

expect

hesitate

love

plan

regret

swear

want


attempt

consent

fail

hope

manage

prefer

remember

tend

wish

See also :

Grammar : Gerunds

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Last updated: 15 February, 2010 02:43:16