In English grammar, an infinitive is the support form of a verb that can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb. “Infinitive” hails from the Latin word infinitus, meaning endless. The infinitive is a verbal word derived from a verb that does not act as a verb that is almost always preceded by the particle “to.”

Examples of Infinitive Verbs

Common Infinitive Verbs

• to be (I want to be an astronaut.)
• to dream (James dares to dream about getting the job.)
• to have (We’re going to have a baby.)
• to hold (Do you want to hold the puppy?)
• to look (I’m afraid to look at the messy room.)
• to read (The first graders are learning to read this year.)
• to write (I’m planning to write a letter to the company.)
• to sleep (It’s time to sleep.)
• to throw (If Gina doesn’t get her way, she’s going to throw a tantrum.)
• to want (It’s natural to want your team to win.)

Infinitive Verbs as Nouns

• We decided to go out.
• I want to swim in the pool.
• Mom loves to give gifts.
• Do you swear to tell the truth?
• I’d prefer to see an action movie.
• He reminded her to go downtown.
• To dance is my little girl’s dream.
• I would like to thank you for coming out tonight.
• He does not like to drink soda from a can.
• I forgot to take my vitamins today.

Infinitive Verbs as Adjectives

• Do you have any laundry to wash?
• My favorite meal to make is macaroni and cheese.
• The best method to use is the hands-on method.
• The Superbowl is the game to watch.
• Peter is a difficult guy to understand.
• He certainly gave me something to think about.
• That watch is a valuable heirloom to pass down.
• This is the most important thing to know.
• You’ll always have a sister to confide in.
• History is my least favorite subject to study.

Infinitive Verbs as Adverbs

• Billie is finally ready to go.
• I climbed the mountain to see the view.
• Read the manual to understand more about repairing the stereo.
• Cameron travels to see the world.
• I bought a patch to stop smoking.
• My dad will be so happy to meet you!
• You are so easy to talk to.
• Kelly went to the store to buy apples.
• Let’s buy snow gear to go skiing.
• I went to college to become an engineer.

Examples of Bare Infinitives

• I can wait for the results. (NOT “I can to wait for the results”)
• Should we call our parents? (NOT “Should we to call our parents?”)
• Henry might lend us his truck. (NOT “Henry might to lend us his truck.”)
• Our family will be okay. (NOT “Our family will to be okay.