Bare infinitive meaning

The bare infinitive is a verb form that is not preceded by "to," often used after modal verbs like "can" or "should."


Bare infinitive definitions

Word backwards erab evitinifni
Part of speech The part of speech of the term "bare infinitive" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division bare in-fin-i-tive
Plural The plural of "bare infinitive" is "bare infinitives."
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) a,e,i
Consonants (6) b,r,n,f,t,v

Bare Infinitive:

When discussing verb forms in English grammar, the term "bare infinitive" refers to the base form of the verb without the particle "to." In other words, it is the verb in its simplest form without any additional markers.

Usage of Bare Infinitive

Bare infinitives are often used in English grammar after modal auxiliary verbs such as "can," "will," "should," "must," and more. For example, "She can help you with that," or "I will go to the store."

Following Verbs

In addition to modal auxiliary verbs, bare infinitives are also used after certain verbs like "make," "let," "help," and "watch." For instance, "They made him clean the room," or "She lets the children play outside."

Commands and Instructions

Bare infinitives are commonly employed in commands and instructions, where the verb appears without the particle "to." For example, "Sit down," "Stand up," "Listen carefully," etc.

Examples of Bare Infinitives:

A few examples of sentences using bare infinitives include:

  • She can sing beautifully.
  • We should try our best.
  • Let me help you with that.
  • He watches them play in the park.

Understanding the concept of bare infinitives is crucial for mastering English grammar, as they are commonly used in various contexts to convey meaning effectively.


Bare infinitive Examples

  1. He must study diligently to pass the exam.
  2. She helped her friend move to a new apartment.
  3. I saw him leave the party early.
  4. We should all wear masks in crowded places.
  5. They made him clean up his room before going out.
  6. The teacher asked the students to be quiet during the test.
  7. Please have your dog sit before entering the house.
  8. Let the children play outside for a while.
  9. It is important to always wash your hands before eating.
  10. The referee watched the player kick the ball into the goal.


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  • Updated 03/04/2024 - 19:50:17