Verb + to - infinitive

Using an Infinitive Verb

Defining an Infinitive Verb

An infinitive verb is essentially the base form of a verb with the word "to" in front of it. When you use an infinitive verb, the "to" is a part of the verb. It is not acting as a preposition in this case.

Some examples of infinitive verbs include:

to be

to have

to sleep

to spend

Using an Infinitive Verb

Object of a Sentence

After Adjectives

The most common way to use infinitive verbs is as a direct object or an indirect object. When the subject performs an action, the infinitive can answer the question “What?” as the object of that action.

Examples of the above infinitives used as direct include:

The manager promised to hold the job for me. (The verb is promise)

Try to sleep a little more before our flight. (The verb is try)

Shane asked to have another hamburger. (The verb is ask)

Chuck hopes to spend less than $30 on his haircut. (The verb is hope)

I want to be an astronaut. (The verb is want)

You can use infinitive verbs after adjectives to clarify meaning. Adjectives that include the words “too” or “enough” require infinitives to fill in the rest of the meaning.

For example:

The manager is nice to hold the job for me. (The adjective is nice)

It’s smart to sleep before our flight. (The adjective is smart)

Shane is too full to have another hamburger. (The adjective is too full)

Chuck is wealthy enough to spend $30 on his haircut. (The adjective is wealthy enough)

It’s too hard to be an astronaut. (The adjective is too hard)