The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

The infinitive form is a basic verb form in English that does not change according to tense. In this article, IDP will guide you through everything you need to know about infinitives and how to use them correctly in IELTS and everyday English.

Understanding infinitives is essential for English learners, especially for those preparing for the IELTS exam. So what exactly is an infinitive and how is it used? Let us explore this important grammar point and practice with useful exercises and answers.

1. What Is an Infinitive?

An infinitive, also known as the base form of a verb (denoted as V1), is the original form of the verb. It does not change with subject or tense.

There are five forms of verb infinitives in English:

  • Simple infinitive

  • Perfect infinitive

  • Perfect continuous infinitive

  • Continuous infinitive

  • Passive infinitive

Among these, the simple infinitive is the most commonly used. It comes in two forms:

  • To-infinitive (to + V1)

Example: She promised to visit her grandparents next month.

  • Bare infinitive (without "to")

Example: You had better not consume excessive caffeine before sleeping.

2. How to Use the To-Infinitive

The to-infinitive is used to express purpose, intention, or describe future actions.

To express purpose or intention

Example:

  • He enrolled in a language course to improve his communication skills.

  • Our team is working hard to meet the project deadline.

As the subject of a sentence

Example:

  • To establish a tech startup is his biggest ambition.

  • To build healthy relationships and to pursue passions are essential for a happy life.

As the object of a verb or adjective

Structure: S + to be + adj + (for/of someone) + to infinitive Example:

  • She is eager for him to present his ideas at the conference.

It can also act as an object of a verb:

  • The teacher urged her students to join the science competition.

After question words (except "why")

Example:

  • My tutor explained what to do to improve my IELTS score.

In the structure "Verb + Object + To Infinitive"

Example:

  • I expect her to give a great presentation.

3. How to Use the Bare Infinitive

The bare infinitive is the verb without "to" and is commonly used after modal verbs, verbs of perception, and certain causative verbs.

After modal verbs

Example:

  • You should explore new solutions for the project.

After verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, etc.)

Structure: S + perception verb + object + V1 or V-ing Example:

  • She felt the sun warm her skin.

After "make", "let", and "help"

Structure: S + make/let/help + object + V1 Example:

  • My teacher let us choose our project topics.

After "had better" or "would better"

Example:

  • You had better prepare well for the test.

  • I would better avoid procrastinating.

4. Difference Between Gerunds and Infinitives

Feature

Gerund

Infinitive

Form

Verb + ing

to + base verb

Function

Acts like a noun, describes habits

Describes goals or intentions

Use

After prepositions, expressing routines

After verbs showing desire, after adjectives

Example

Practicing yoga reduces stress.

He aims to improve his skills.

5. Infinitive Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct verb form

  • The researchers aim ___ (discover) new methods.

  • I witnessed her ___ (perform) at the concert.

  • The manager insisted ___ (review) the proposal.

  • I encouraged him ___ (participate) in the workshop.

  • She appears ___ (see) the problem clearly.

  • They invited us ___ (join) them for dinner.

  • The coach let the players ___ (practice) longer.

  • I would prefer ___ (discuss) this in person.

  • We ought ___ (explore) other options.

  • He assisted her ___ (navigate) the new role.

Answers:

  • to discover

  • perform

  • on reviewing

  • to participate

  • to see

  • to join

  • practice

  • to discuss

  • to explore

  • in navigating

Exercise 2: Form complete sentences using to-infinitive or bare infinitive

  • She / intend / pursue / masters degree / environmental science → She intends to pursue a master's degree in environmental science.

  • I / require / assist / compiling / data / report → I require assistance in compiling the data for the report.

  • They / allow / us / participate / community / project → They allowed us to participate in the community project.

  • We / desire / enhance / skills / public speaking → We desire to enhance our skills in public speaking.

  • He / should / consider / implications / his decisions → He should consider the implications of his decisions.

Master the Use of Infinitives to Improve Your IELTS Grammar

Understanding how to use the infinitive is essential not only for English grammar but also for improving your performance on the IELTS exam. Infinitives help you express intentions and actions more clearly. With regular practice, you can boost both your grammar and writing fluency.

When preparing with IDP, you can take the IELTS computer-delivered test at flexible times and convenient locations across the country.

Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and start your journey to success.

Take IELTS with IDP - Confident and comfortable, achieve your goal!

About this Article

Published on 21 October, 2024

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục