The InfinitiveThe Infinitive is a non-finite form of the verb. It is the basic form of a verb which is normally used with the particle 'to'. In the negative infinitive ‘not’ comes before ‘to’: not (to) do, not (to) have done. The infinitive without ‘to’ is called a bare infinitive. Let me go. If there is a word between the ‘to’ and the verb, it’s called a split infinitive. It would take ages to really master the subject. The Infinitive has double nature. It combines verbal and nominal characteristics. Verbal Characteristics of the Infinitive 1. It names a process or an action in the most general way. 2. It has three verbal categories. - correlation: to do – to have done - aspect: to do – to be doing - voice: to do – to be done e.g.: He must have been surfing the Net till the morning. (perfect continuous active infinitive) He pretended to be sleeping. (non-perfect continuous active inf.) A large range of species are to be seen in the aquarium. (non-perfect non-continuous passive infinitive) 3. It has the valency of the verb: We can put an object or an adverbial modifier after the infinitive. e.g.: I want to play some records (object) now (adv. mod.). 4. The infinitive is used as - the predicate in infinitive sentences: Why not go for a walk. - a part of a compound verbal predicate: You should write a letter. He began to write a letter. Nominal Characteristics of the Infinitive 5. The syntactic functions of the infinitive are similar to those of the noun - subject: To do anything else would be a mistake. - predicative: His dearest wish was to have a son. - object: I can’t afford to buy a car. - attribute: I have no more money to spend. - adv. modifier: I left early so as to avoid traffic jams.
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