INFINITIVES

Infinitives are forms like (to) write, (to) stand. Unlike verb tenses (e. g. writes, stood), infinitives do not usually
show the actual times of actions or events. They usually refer to actions and events in a more general way,
rather like –ing forms.

Infinitives have many functions. An infinitive can be used, for example:

A. After do or a modal auxiliary verb, as part of the verb phrase.

Do you think she´s ready? You must get some more light bulbs.

B. As a subject or complement of a clause

To watch him eating really gets on my nerves.

The main thing is to stay in calm. It´s nice to talk to you.

In older English, an infinitive could be the subject of a sentence.

To make mistakes is easy. To wait for people who were late made him angry.

In modern English is more often use it as a “preparatory subject” and put the infinitive later.

It´s easy to make mistakes.

It made him angry to wait for people who were late.

C. To express person´s purpose

He comes to London to look for work. They went to the supermarket to buy food
She called her father to say happy birthday

D. As object or complement of a verb, adjective or noun.

I don´t want to go to bed. You have the right to remain silent.

I´m anxious to contact your brother.

After many non-auxiliary verbs, we can use the infinitives of other verbs.

It´s beginning to rain. I don´t want to see you again.

She seems to be crying. I expect to have finished by tomorrow evening.
The car needs to be cleaned.

Common verbs that can be followed by infinitives.

Afford Agree Appear Ask Be sure Care

Choose Continue Decide Expect Forget Help
Hope Learn Like Need Offer order
Plan Prepare Refuse Regret Remember Seem
Teach Try Want wish Would like