An infinitive is the base form of a verb with to. Infinitives are very common in English and are often used after certain verbs. They can also explain why someone does something.

Many common verbs are followed by an infinitive.

• I want to improve my English.
• She decided to apply for the job.
• They hope to move next year.

We can also use an infinitive to explain the purpose or reason for an action.

• I went to the store to buy some milk.
• She called the office to ask a question.
• They are saving money to purchase a house.

Maria decided to apply for a new position because she wanted to improve her career. She hopes to find a job with better hours and plans to take some additional courses. She also wants to earn more money to support her family.

Many English verbs are followed by an infinitive. After these verbs, use to + base verb. Learning these common verb patterns will make your speaking and writing more natural.

• I agreed to help my neighbour.
• She decided to study nursing.
• We hope to visit Vancouver next year.
• He offered to drive us home.
• They plan to buy a new house.
• I forgot to lock the door.
• She promised to call tomorrow.
• We refused to accept the offer.
• The child learned to ride a bicycle.
• They managed to finish the project on time.

Some English verbs are followed by an object and then an infinitive. The object is usually the person who will do the second action.

• The teacher encouraged the students to practise every day.
• My friend reminded me to bring my passport.
• The manager asked us to arrive early.
• Our parents taught us to be responsible.
• The doctor advised him to exercise regularly.
• She invited me to stay for dinner.
• The supervisor told the employees to wait outside.
• We expect everyone to arrive on time.

Sometimes we use the base form of a verb without to. This is called a bare infinitive.

After modal verbs such as can, could, may, might, must, should, will, and would, use the base form without to.

• She can drive.
• You should study tonight.
• Employees must wear identification cards.
• The schedule might change.
• We will arrive before noon.

After let and make, use an object + base verb without to.

• My parents let me stay up late.
• Please let him speak.
• The teacher made us rewrite the assignment.
• The manager made everyone attend the meeting.

After help + object, we can use the infinitive with or without to. Both forms are correct.

• She helped me carry the boxes.
• She helped me to carry the boxes.
• The teacher helped us understand the lesson.
• The teacher helped us to understand the lesson.

Infinitives are extremely common in English. The most important thing is to recognize whether the sentence requires to + base verb or a bare infinitive without to.

• The standard infinitive is to + base verb.
• Many common verbs are followed by an infinitive: want to learn, decide to leave, hope to improve.
• An infinitive can explain purpose: I called the office to ask a question.
• Some verbs require an object before the infinitive: The teacher told us to wait.
• After modal verbs, use the base verb without to.
• After let and make, use object + base verb.
• After help, the infinitive can usually be used with or without to.

• She decided to apply for the position.
• We hope to travel next summer.
• I went to the store to buy some groceries.
• The teacher asked us to finish the assignment.
• You must wear your seatbelt.
• My parents let me stay out late.
• The manager made us attend the meeting.
• She helped me carry the boxes.