What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by to (e.g., to eat, to run, to learn).
It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
Types of Infinitives
Simple Infinitive (to + verb)
The most common form.
Example: to read, to play, to go
Perfect Infinitive (to have + past participle)
Refers to an action completed before another action.
Example: to have finished, to have eaten
Continuous Infinitive (to be + present participle)
Refers to an action in progress.
Example: to be running, to be studying
Perfect Continuous Infinitive (to have been + present participle)
Refers to an action that was happening over a period of time before another action.
Example: to have been working, to have been reading
Bare Infinitive (verb without “to”)
Used after modal verbs (can, may, must, shall, will) or certain verbs (let, make, help, see, hear).
Example: go, do, eat (without to).
Examples of Each Type (20 Sentences Each)
1. Simple Infinitive (to + verb)
I like to read books.
She wants to sing at the concert.
They decided to travel abroad.
He hopes to win the match.
We plan to start a new business.
She agreed to help me.
He refused to answer the question.
I tried to open the door.
She loves to dance in the rain.
They promised to come early.
He asked me to stay quiet.
I learned to swim last summer.
She offered to cook dinner.
We expect to finish soon.
He managed to escape.
She pretended to sleep.
They need to work harder.
I prefer to walk instead of drive.
He forgot to lock the gate.
She likes to paint in her free time.
2. Perfect Infinitive (to have + past participle)
He seems to have lost his wallet.
She appears to have finished the work.
They claimed to have met the minister.
He pretended to have forgotten my name.
She is said to have won the prize.
He expected to have completed the project.
I am glad to have helped you.
She is believed to have written the book.
They admitted to have stolen the money.
He ought to have studied harder.
She seems to have understood the lesson.
He is reported to have left early.
She regretted to have said that.
They were lucky to have survived.
He was happy to have met her.
She appears to have been sick.
He pretends to have known the truth.
They are thought to have cheated.
She seems to have improved a lot.
He claimed to have solved the problem.
3. Continuous Infinitive (to be + verb-ing)
He seems to be working hard.
She appears to be crying.
They pretended to be playing.
He is said to be waiting outside.
She claimed to be writing a book.
He wants to be studying now.
They pretended to be sleeping.
She hopes to be dancing tomorrow.
He seems to be watching TV.
I expected to be working this week.
She likes to be cooking new dishes.
They are known to be helping the poor.
He pretends to be laughing.
She appears to be listening carefully.
He is believed to be staying there.
They seem to be playing football.
She wants to be learning French.
He is likely to be running late.
They appear to be practicing daily.
She is expected to be teaching soon.
4. Perfect Continuous Infinitive (to have been + verb-ing)
He seems to have been working all night.
She appears to have been crying.
They claimed to have been waiting for hours.
He pretended to have been studying.
She is said to have been living there.
He is believed to have been helping her.
They seem to have been enjoying the party.
She appears to have been cooking for us.
He pretends to have been learning French.
They admitted to have been lying.
He is thought to have been hiding the truth.
She claimed to have been writing letters.
He appears to have been repairing the car.
She seems to have been reading for hours.
They are known to have been fighting.
He is likely to have been drinking.
She is reported to have been working abroad.
He seems to have been running fast.
They appear to have been playing games.
She is believed to have been singing.
5. Bare Infinitive (verb without “to”)
I can swim well.
She will help you.
They may go now.
He must study hard.
We shall see him tomorrow.
You should try again.
They might win the prize.
He could drive the car.
Let me speak.
She made me cry.
I saw him run away.
We heard her sing.
They helped us finish the work.
You need not worry.
I dare not ask.
He would like to join.
You shall get a reward.
We did not wait.
I felt him touch my hand.