Infinitive Definition & Examples

An infinitive is usually considered as the most basic form of a verb. In English, when referring to an infinitive, it is usually the present infinitive. There are altogether 5 forms of the infinitive in the English language.

How Can You Recognize an Infinitive?

An infinitive verb almost always appears with a "to" before it. An infinitive is also usually used as an object following the verb but can also be used at the beginning of a sentence as a subject. E.g., to buy, to hear, to travel

1. You promised to buy me a diamond ring.
2. To travel around the world requires a lot of time and money.
3. It takes two to make a thing go right.
4. You have got to see the baby!
5. He decided to wait before suggesting his idea.