Resources

Infinitives are formed by 'to' + infinitive.

We use infinitives:

• After certain verbs

- She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

- She started to walk really quickly.

• After adjectives

- I was surprised to see you at the market.

- You are welcome to come with us on the trip.

We use the bare infinitive:

• After modal verbs

- Can you see the mountain ranges in the distance?

- You should bring an umbrella today.

• After certain verbs of perception

- She made me a cake.

- I heard the birds sing this morning.

• When using 'but' or 'except'

- I have nothing to do except to send a few emails.

- I had no choice but to quit.

Some verbs like love, hate, like, prefer can be followed by both a gerund and infinitive.

- I love dancing.

- I love to dance.

When these verbs are used with 'would' or 'should', use the infinitive.

- I would love to go to Mexico.

- The assignment should be easy to do.