Bare Infinitive vs. Full Infinitive

Attribute	Bare Infinitive	Full Infinitive
Definition	Base form of a verb without "to"	Base form of a verb with "to"
Usage	Used after modal verbs, let, make, and some other verbs	Used after certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns
Examples	Can swim, let go, make sense	To swim, to go, to make sense
Form	Verb base form	Verb base form preceded by "to"

Definition

The bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without the particle "to" before it. For example, "I can swim." The full infinitive, on the other hand, includes the particle "to" before the base form of the verb. For example, "I like to swim."

Usage

The bare infinitive is used after modal verbs such as can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must, and ought to. For example, "You must go now." The full infinitive is used after most other verbs, such as like, love, hate, prefer, and want. For example, "I want to go to the beach."

Negation

When negating a sentence with the bare infinitive, the word "not" is placed after the modal verb. For example, "She can not swim." When negating a sentence with the full infinitive, the word "not" is placed before the particle "to." For example, "He does not want to go."

Emphasis

The bare infinitive is often used for emphasis in sentences. For example, "I will go." The full infinitive is used when the emphasis is on the action itself. For example, "I like to go."

Verb Patterns

Some verbs are followed by the bare infinitive, while others are followed by the full infinitive. For example, "I can swim" (bare infinitive) and "I want to swim" (full infinitive). Knowing which verbs are followed by which form of the infinitive is important for correct usage.

Subject-Verb Agreement

When using the bare infinitive, the verb does not change based on the subject. For example, "I can swim" and "She can swim." However, with the full infinitive, the verb may change based on the subject. For example, "I want to swim" and "She wants to swim."

Formality

The full infinitive is generally considered more formal than the bare infinitive. In formal writing and speech, the full infinitive is often preferred. For example, "It is important to follow the rules." In informal situations, the bare infinitive may be more commonly used. For example, "You should go now."

Verb Complements

Some verbs require a bare infinitive as a complement, while others require a full infinitive. For example, "I made her leave" (bare infinitive) and "I asked her to leave" (full infinitive). Understanding which verbs require which form of the infinitive is essential for clear communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bare infinitive and full infinitive have distinct attributes that affect their usage in sentences. Understanding when to use each form is crucial for effective communication in both spoken and written English. By recognizing the differences between the two forms of the infinitive, speakers and writers can convey their intended meaning accurately and clearly.