Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Ministry of Higher Power for Education.
Polytechnic University Institute "Santiago Mariño".
Area: English II.
THE GERUND AND THE INFINITIVE
Teacher:
César Velásquez
By: Carlos Manuel Rojas Valerio.C.I: 31.571.881.
Career: System Engineer N°: 47#.
THE INFINITIVE
The infinitive is the basic form of a verb. It is the form of the verb that is found in dictionaries. In English, the infinitive of a verb is preceded by the word "to". For example, the infinitive of the verb "to walk" is "to walk".
Examples:
• As a noun, an infinitive can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition. For example:
To walk is good for your health.
I want to walk to the store.
I saw her walking down the street.
Infinitives can be used in a variety of ways in English. They can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Infinitives can also be used in some idiomatic phrases, such as "to be able to", "to have to", and "to want to".
• As an adjective, an infinitive can modify a noun. For example:
A walking stick is a helpful tool for people who have difficulty walking. A talking bird is a popular pet.
I am able to walk to the store.
I have to walk to the store. I want to walk to the store.
• As an adverb, an infinitive can modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. For example: I need to walk faster.
The talking bird is very clever.
I am happy to walk with you.
Use as noun (as subject and as CD)
Some examples of how to use the infinitive as a noun (both as a subject and as a complement of the verb):
• Subject
To swim is my favorite activity.
The only thing I want to do is sleep. Her dream is to become a doctor.
• Complement of the verb
I decided to go for a walk. I asked her to help me with the dishes. They made us clean our rooms.
Use of the inifinitivo as a verbal complement in English.
An infinitive can be used as a verbal complement in English. A verbal complement is a verb that follows another verb and completes its meaning. In English, there are three types of verbal complements: infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
Infinitive complements can be used with a variety of verbs, including:
An infinitive complement is a verb that follows another verb and is preceded by the word "to". For example:
Verbs of intention such as "decide", "intend", and "want".
Verbs of ability such as "be able", "can", and "may".
I decided to go for a walk.
I asked her to help me with the dishes.
They made us clean our rooms.
In these sentences, the infinitives "to go for a walk","to help me with the dishes", and "to clean our rooms" are verbal complements.
Verbs of permission such as "allow", "permit", and "let".
Verbs of request such as "ask", "beg", and "demand".
Verbs of order such as "command", "direct", and "instruct".
They complete the meaning of the verbs "decided", "asked", and "made".
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Infinitive use as circumstantial
An infinitive can be used as a circumstantial in English. A circumstantial is a word or phrase that modifies a verb and tells us more about the time, place, manner, or purpose of the action. In English, there are three types of circumstantials: infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
An infinitive circumstantial is an infinitive that follows a verb and is used to modify the verb.
For example:
I went to the store to buy some milk. She came home to cook dinner. They went to the park to play.
In these sentences, the infinitives "to buy some milk", "to cook dinner", and "to play" are infinitive circumstantials. They tell us more about the time, place, manner, or purpose of the actions of going, coming, and going.
Infinitive circumstantials can be used with a variety of verbs, including:
Verbs of motion such as "go", "come", and "run".
Verbs of purpose such as "plan", "intend", and "want".
Verbs of ability such as "be able", "can", and "may".
Verbs of permission such as "allow", "permit", and "let".
Verbs of request such as "ask", "beg", and "demand".