1. What is an Infinitive Phrase?
An infinitive phrase is a group of words that uses an infinitive (“to” + verb). An infinitive is a verbal (a word that expresses action); so, an infinitive phrase has the same role of expressing action in a sentence.
An infinitive phrase is just a part of a sentence, working like a noun, adjective, or adverb.
2. Examples
Here are some examples off infinitive phrases, both on their own and as part of full sentences:
- To plant a garden
- To go on vacation
- I told the dog to run home quickly
- I want to eat pizza for dinner
The next section explains what makes infinitive phrases.
3. Parts of Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases begin with an infinitive, and sometimes include modifiers and/or objects that make the phrase more descriptive.
a. Infinitives
The main, most essential part of an infinitive phrase is an infinitive. So, what’s an infinitive? Quite simply, it’s the word “to” plus the base form of a verb, like these:
- To study (to + study)
- To play (to + play)
- To leave (to + leave)
- To eat (to + eat)
Infinitives are verbal words expressing action, and shouldn’t be confused with a prepositional phrase that begins with “to” (to + noun or pronoun—see How to Avoid Mistakes).
b. Objects
An object is the word (a noun or a pronoun) affected by the verb in a sentence. So, in an infinitive phrase, it’s the word being affected by the infinitive. Here are some examples of objects in infinitive phrases:
- To study math
- To play guitar
- To leave the party
- To eat a sandwich
c. Modifiers
A modifier is an adjective or adverb that alters other words in a sentence, making it more descriptive. Infinitive phrases often include modifiers; here are some examples:
- To study advanced math Adjective modifying “math”
- To eat a giant sandwich Adjective modifying “sandwich”
- To play guitar beautifully Adverb modifying “to play”
- To leave the party quietly Adverb modifying “to leave”
3. Types of Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases are always easy to spot because they begin with “to.” In a sentence, they can work like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
a. Infinitive Phrase as a Noun
When an infinitive phrase works like a noun, it answers the question “what?” So, the infinitive phrase will be the subject, which does the verb; or an object, which receives the action of the verb. Here are some examples:
- I don’t want to study for my test. What don’t you want? (Object)
- He needs to ace the exam. What does he need? (Object)
- To get good grades is my goal. What is the goal? (Subject)
- His job was to tutor me in math. What was his job? (Object)
b. Infinitive Phrase as an Adjective
When an infinitive phrase acts like an adjective in a sentence, it describes a noun or a pronoun. So, that means it will describe a subject or an object. Here are some examples:
- I want a tutor to help me study. Describes the tutor
- I need a magazine to read on the train. Describes the magazine
- There is a basket to put your exam in. Describes the basket
- I wish I had a friend to study with me. Describes the friend
c. Infinitive Phrase as an Adverb
When an infinitive phrase works like an adverb, it modifies the verb in a sentence. Adverbs answer questions like where, when, why, how, and for what reason/purpose, so, as an adverb, the infinitive will answer the same questions.
- I went home to study for math. Why did you go home?
- He sat down to take the exam. For what reason did he sit down?
- To get into college, you need good grades. Why do you need good grades?
- To ace the exam, I studied for hours. For what purpose did you study?
4. How to Avoid Mistakes
Using infinitive phrases isn’t very difficult, but, it’s important not to confuse them with prepositional phrases or try to use them as full sentences. To help avoid mistakes, you need to know these things:
a. A Phrase isn’t a Sentence
There’s one rule that is really easy to remember: an infinitive phrase can’t be a full sentence on its own. Like all phrases, it doesn’t contain the subject-verb combination that forms a clause. You can think about it like this: since a noun, adverb or adjective can’t be a full sentence, neither can an infinitive phrase. It is just a part of a sentence, and needs an independent clause to be complete.
b. Prepositional Phrases beginning with “to” are not Infinitives
A prepositional phrase expresses time and location and can sometimes begin with “to.” Even though they also use the word “to,” prepositional phrases are different then infinitives because infinitives combine “to” and a verb, while prepositional phrases combine “to” with a noun or pronoun. Look at the prepositional phrases underlined here:
- Go to bed.
- You can give that to me.
- I am going to my house.
- The letter is addressed to you.
Each of these examples is the word “to” plus a noun, not a verb. So, these are prepositional phrases, not infinitive phrases.
Presentation on theme: «Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases»— Presentation transcript:
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Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive is formed from the word “to” together with the base form (present tense) of a verb. to write to shimmer to skate to stop to use to see
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An infinitive is the word “to” plus a VERB.
Remember: An infinitive is the word “to” plus a VERB. If you see the word “to” plus a noun or pronoun, it is a prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrase infinitive I love to go to the zoo.
3
Infinitives are used as nouns most of the time, but they also can be used as adjectives or adverbs.
Many children like to skate. Direct object To stop is sometimes difficult Subject He is to blame. Predicate Adjective He lives to eat. Adverb
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An infinitive phrase is a group of words that include an infinitive and all the words that complete its meaning. So, it’s the infinitive plus its object and all the other words to make it make sense. …the infinitive, its object and all its in between modifying words
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If it’s the subject, it is the infinitive and all the words up to the verb.
To eat all his dog food was Willie’s goal. If it’s the predicate noun or direct object, it’s the infinitive and all the words to the end of the sentence or to another clause. Rickie and Willie’s job is to eradicate the house of bugs.
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To read about the history of spices can be fascinating.
Examples of infinitive phrases as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. A separates the infinitive phrase. Verbs are underlined. As a subject To read about the history of spices can be fascinating. As a predicate noun One basic use of spices has been to flavor food. As a direct object Mahatma Gandhi started to study famous religious works.
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As a direct object with a noun or pronoun preceding the infinitive.
Officials had forced him to leave the train. Pronoun before the infinitive As an appositive L’Enfant had a vision, to create a city of wide avenues and vistas.
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As an adjective The book was a great way to learn about history. As an adverb (describing a verb) Susan went to take a trip in a covered wagon. As an adverb (describing an adjective) He was excited to ride a horse for the first time.
9
Do not split an infinitive.
That means that you should not put an adverb between the “to” and the verb. We were told to carefully view each star. We were told to view each star carefully. We started to optimistically watch the sky for a comet. Optimistically, we started to watch the sky for a comet.
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To install the ceiling fan took two hours.
Find the infinitive phrases and what they do in the sentence. To install the ceiling fan took two hours. Winona’s ambition is to become a doctor. Sharon likes to skate but not to ski. The best time to visit Florida is December through April. The gymnasts were ready to practice their routines. I learned to place a small drop of oil on each link.
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Taking care of your bicycle is one way to make it last.
We used machine oil to lubricate the chain. Then, she showed me the valve that is needed to fill the inner tube. Using a hand pump, we added some air to the back tire. My aunt said not to pull the wrench too hard. Healy, Patricia. Voyages in English. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2011. Odell, Lee. Elements of Language. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2004.
When to put to before a verb. When used to after and with a verb in English
When should you put to in front of a verb in English? This question is more complicated than it seems at first glance. Many beginners to learn English make a lot of mistakes in using this particle. In order to always put it only in the right place, it is enough to learn a few simple rules.
Use cases for the to particle
It is important not to confuse to with a preposition. The to particle in English is always used with the initial verb, and the preposition is usually used with nouns. You can always ask the question «where?»
The to particle may not be used before every verb. Two simple rules prevent this. Firstly, the to particle should be placed only before (the initial form of the verb), and secondly, in this case, the to particle may not be placed before every infinitive, since there is also a «bare infinitive» or bare infinitive. We have prepared for you a list of the main cases when the to particle is needed before the verb:
- With the help of a verb with an infinitive, a certain purpose is expressed.
- The adverbs too or enough precede the infinitive.
- The infinitive is paired with would, would prefer, or would love.
- The sentence contains the word only, which expresses dissatisfaction with a certain event or result.
- After something, anyone, somewhere and nothing.
- The sentence contains a combination of be the first (the second, etc.), be the next, be the last, or be the best.
She turned around to ask him some questions She turned to ask him a few questions.
My aunt is too obstinate to apologize “My aunt is too stubborn to apologize.
I would visit London — I would like to visit London.
She went to a beach house only to meet her annoying relatives “She went to the beach house just to meet her boring relatives.
I have nothing to tell you — I have nothing to tell you.
She is the next to choose where to go on the weekend “She’s next deciding where to go for the weekend.
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The to particle is required after some verbs, including: want, need, learn, afford, agree, decide, expect, help, forget, hope, offer, pretend, try, want, seem, plan, promise, remember, would.
I want to give you advice — I want to give you advice.
I agree to take him to the pool — I agree to take him to the pool.
He forgot to replace his furniture — He forgot to replace his furniture.
I would inform you about our meeting — I would like to inform you about our meeting.
To particle with modal verbs
After, i.e. verbs expressing intention and possibility (may, should, can, must, shall, would, will, etc.), the same «bare infinitive» or bare infinitive will be used.
I can swim faster — I can swim faster.
She should tell you the truth “She must tell you the truth.
He may ask you about it — He can ask you about it.
We shall give him some food — We have to give him some food.
I will call you — I’ll call you.
In English, there are several modal verbs that should always be used with the to particle, among them are verbs dare, have, ought и be.
I have to drive carefully — I have to drive carefully.
He ought to call her — He should call her.
How dare she tell me what to ask? — How dare she tell me what to ask?
I have to ask you about it — I have to ask you about it.
When the to particle is not used
In English, there are a number of cases in which the to particle is not required before the verb. There are not so many of these cases, so they are very easy to remember. The to particle will not be used:
- After the verbs make, let, see, feel and hear (except for the passive voice).
- After the expressions would rather and had better.
- In questions starting with Why not?
- When in one sentence there are two indefinite verbs, and between them there is and or or, the particle to is not placed before the second verb.
- When the verb make is in the meaning of «force».
Let me know where are you — Let me know where you are.
You’d better stay strong “You better stay strong.
.Why not go to the theater? — Why not go to the theater?
I want to eat and drink — I am hungry and thirsty.
She makes me care about him — She makes me take care of him.
about the to particle in English:
The infinitive is usually used with the to particle, which is its grammatical attribute. However, the particle to is sometimes omitted, and the infinitive is used without it:
1. After auxiliary and modal verbs: can, could, must, may, might, will, shall, would, should (and their negative forms cannot = can’t, must not = mustn’t, etc.).
Source: https://mmostar.ru/vazhnaya-informaciya-pro-gepatit/kogda-nuzhno-stavit-to-pered-glagolom-kogda-upotreblyaetsya-to-posle-i-s-glagolom-v/
ᐉ Using to after and with a verb in English
Hi there! It’s time to get acquainted with the very important preposition «to» for the English language and to study the use of to after and with the verb in English. Often, students at the beginning of their studies experience difficulties precisely because of its use. Having learned one use case, it is difficult to switch to another option, which also requires this preposition. In fact, everything is not so difficult and sad with the nasty «to». Let’s consider those situations where it is needed and where it should not be.
Using «to» with an infinitive
Using «to» with an infinitive
Infinitive — this is an impersonal form of the verb that answers the question «What to do?», «What to do?» To my students who are just starting their studies, I always give a very simple hint — ask a question for action, if the option of infinitive questions (see above) is appropriate, then dare to leave the «to» part.
For example, a student translates a sentence I want to read a book on the train, he comes to the first verb want (want) and asks the question «what am I doing?»
Then we move on to read (read), ask the question «what to do?» I want to read a book on the train.
Here are some examples of infinitives in English, you can check them by asking the right questions:
I am glad to see you here!
(Glad to see you here!)
My grandmother s to write letters and hates messengers.
(My grandmother loves to write letters and hates instant messengers.)
We hope to meet you at the party on Friday.
(We hope to meet you at the party on Friday.)
They will try to come but they may be busy.
(They will try to come, but they may be busy.)
She asked her child to take the basket.
(She asked her child to take the basket.)
Use of the preposition «to» with the Dative Case / Noun with the preposition «to»
Use of the preposition «to» with the Dative Case / Noun with the preposition «to»
The use of a noun with the preposition «to» corresponds to the dative case in the Russian language (answers the question «to whom?», «What?»). But it is worthwhile to understand the use cases, since there are two possible options, one of which does not require a preposition in front of the object.
Case # 1 Direct object
The preposition «to» is used with direct object in English.
For those who are not super deeply friends with the grammar of the Russian language, I will explain a little easier — if you want to say: I write (what?) A message (to whom?) To you, then in the English version “to” must be placed before the one at whom the action is directed, that is, we immediately say “what”, and then before “whom” we put the preposition: Iamwritingamessagetoyou.
More examples:
He brought a huge bunch of roses to her.
(He brought her a huge bouquet of roses.)
They presented the best gift to their mother.
(They gave the best present to their mom.)
You can order three pizzas to children, they are always hungry.
(You can order three pizzas for the kids, they are always hungry.)
Source: https://english-skype.net/grammatika/upotreblenie-to-posle-i-s-glagolom-v-anglijskom-jazyke/
The use of the infinitive in English
Have you ever seen the to particle with verbs after it? Have you ever thought about its purpose? Well, it’s time to explain something about one of the most important topics in the English language.
When a verb is placed after the to particle and the whole thing is placed in a sentence, the name for all this is an infinitive. The thing is important and necessary. I propose to figure out why and for what.
INFINITIVE AS A FORM OF THE QUESTION «FOR WHAT», «WHY»
We use the infinitive to express intent (the question «why», «why»). Roughly speaking, in this case, we can say that the infinitive corresponds to the Russian word «to».
The prisoner locked the door to keep the policeman out. The inmate closed the door to prevent the police from entering the cell
Husband bought his wife two plastic flowers to express the most important. The husband bought two plastic flowers for his wife to tell the main thing.
The infinitive follows certain verbs
We use the infinitive after certain verbs, in particular after verbs expressing thoughts and feelings (choose, decide, expect, forget, hope, learn, plan, remember, want, would) and after verbs related to speech (agree, promise, refuse )
Entrepreneurs decided to go bankrupt mutually. The entrepreneurs decided to break up the business together.
Remember to sleep while smoking on train… Remember to spit when you smoke on the train. (Inscription in China)
It should be added that after some verbs (advice, ask, invite, tell, warn, expect, would) the direct addition follows, and then the infinitive:
Travel agent adviced me to visit brand-new country — ISIS. A travel agent advised me to visit a completely new country — ISIS.
Infinitive after adjectives
The infinitive is placed after certain adjectives to express the reason for that adjective (happy, glad, sad, pleased, surprised, proud)
Osama Bin Laden was happy to get an announcement of war on terrorism as birthday present. Osama bin Laden was delighted to receive a declaration of war on terrorism as a gift.
Leonardo Di Caprio is proud to be named in honor of ninja turtle. Leonardo DiCaprio is proud to be named after the Ninja Turtle.
Infinitive as «post-attribute»
Source: http://londonnsk.ru/grammatika/103-ispolzovanie-infinitiva-v-anglijskom-yazyke
Questions with a preposition at the end in English
In traditional grammatical rules, it is believed that prepositions in questions should not be put at the end of a phrase or a sentence. And this is really correct from the point of view of English grammar. However, in informal speech, the preposition is often put separately from the word with which it is associated. In this case, such an order of words is not considered an error.
Compare:
In which restaurants are we having lunch? (formally)
Which restaurants are we having lunch in? (informally)
For whom is Jack waiting for? (formally)
Who is Jack waiting for? (informally)
A preposition is a part of speech that indicates spatial, causal, temporal and other types of relationships between words in a sentence. Thus, prepositions in English have the same function as cases in Russian.
Prepositions can be used at the end of a sentence in the following cases:
IN INFORMAL SPEECH OR DURING COMMUNICATION IN QUESTIONAL PROPOSALS,
BEGINNING WITH WHAT, WHO, WHERE, WHİCH.
It is not only possible, but even necessary to end sentences with an excuse in informal communication. Such designs give speech a more natural and casual tone.
For example:
Who should I give this book to? — Who do I need to give this book to?
What apartment did you stayat / in? — What apartment are you staying in?
Which of the suburbs do you live in? — In which district do you live?
What was tom thinking about? — What was Tom just thinking?
Which city does Alice live in? — Where does Alice live?
what are you looking at? — What are you looking at?
Who is jack waiting for? — Who is Jack waiting for?
What conference room did Sam eat into? — Which meeting room Sam went into.
IN DIFFICULT SUBORDINATED PROPOSALS AND IN PREV.
You can use a preposition not only in interrogative sentences, but also in affirmative complex sentences with a definitive clause.
For example:
Jason told me what he was looking for. — Jason told me what he was looking for.
Ask Jack about it. Only he knows which home Jessica lives in. — Ask Jack about it. Only he knows which house Jessica lives in.
I don’t understand what you are askingfor. “I don’t understand what you are asking.
Daniel was always curious what Jack was dreaming about. — Daniel always wondered what Jack was dreaming of.
IN OFFERS WITH A PASSIVE BEDDING.
You can also put a preposition at the end of a sentence if it is part of a passive construct.
For example:
Jessica was the only one they laughedat — Jessica was the only one they laughed at.
IN PROPOSALS WHEN THE PROPOSAL IS AN INDIVIDUAL PART OF THE INFINITIVE.
For example:
This situation is not difficult to put up with. — This situation is easy to put up with.
Jack just wants to come by. “Jack just wants to come over to visit.
What information should you know to sign in? — What information do you need to register.
Olga asked him to stay in. — Olga asked him to stay.
Kate doesn’t know what to begin with? — Kate doesn’t know where to start.
Olga finally decided to break up with Ivan… — Olga finally decided to part with Ivan.
It seems that I forgot to log out. — Looks like I forgot to sign out of my account.
This is the article that I want to how toone. — This is the very article that I want to comment on.
It is better to avoid constructions with a preposition at the end in the following cases:
FOR FORMAL COMMUNICATION OR CORRESPONDENCE.
As you can see from the rules listed above, a preposition at the end of a sentence is not a grammatical error. However, this is appropriate when dealing exclusively with friends. But if you are writing a scientific paper, a business plan, or sending a letter to a foreign colleague, try to avoid such constructions.
For example:
False: Which edition was your work publishedin? — In which edition was your work published?
Right: In which edition of your work was published? — In which edition was your work published?
Source: https://www.wallstreetenglish.ru/blog/voprosy-s-predlogom-na-kontse-v-angliyskom-yazyke/
When used to after and with a verb in English
An extremely important preposition in English. When should you use it and when not? I’ll tell you in this article.
Hello guys! Today I would like to tell you about a very important preposition of the English language. About the preposition «to». Many people find it very difficult at the beginning of the study. Yes, and I remember myself. I constantly asked the tutor to tell me about the rules for its use. He was very often confused, used it when necessary and when not. So let’s see when we should use it and when we shouldn’t.
Using the preposition «to» with the Dative Case
Indeed, in the article «Prepositions in English» I have already partially voiced the rules for using «to». And I said that it serves to convey the meaning of the Dative Case.
But, it all depends on where we put the add-on. It can be both direct and indirect. With the direct addition, we must use the preposition «to». Let’s better use examples:
I’ll send a letter to you tomorrow.
(I’ll send you a letter tomorrow)
In this case, a letter is a direct object, i.e. it comes immediately after the verb. Another example:
Give this book to me please.
(Please give me this book)
I wrote a message to him last night, but he didn’t respond.
(I wrote him a letter last night but he didn’t answer)
If the object is indirect, then the preposition «to» is omitted. For example, we could say this:
I’ll send you a letter tomorrow.
Give me this book please.
I wrote him a message last night, but he didn’t respond.
The meanings of the sentences are absolutely the same, but the preposition «to» is no longer used. This is a very important point, and it often causes difficulties and confusion when communicating with people. Just try to remember the following common constructs:
to send smb smth / to say smth to smb
(send something to someone / send something to someone)
to give smb smth / to give smth to smb
to write smb / to write smth to smb
This rule does not apply to the verb «to explain to explain». With this word, the preposition «to» is used regardless of the type of object.
Could you explain this rule to me?
Could you explain this rule to me?
(Could you explain this rule to me?)
The same situation is with the verb «to listen to listen». Also, without «to» is not used:
Listen to me please.
(Listen to me please)
Listening to music at work is not good.
(Listening to music at work is not good)
Listen to him and say what you think.
(Listen to him and tell him what you think)
I don’t want to listen to you.
(I don’t want to listen to you)
Please note that in the case of using these words one by one, i.e. without additions, the preposition «to» can be omitted.
Please listen! I don’t want you to take offence at me.
(Please listen! I don’t want you to take offense at me)
Why have you done it? Please explain!
(Why did you do this? Please explain!)
In addition to the verbs «to listen» and «to explain», there are a number of words that are used with the preposition «to»:
| Used with “to” | Transfer |
| Boast to somebody | brag to someone |
| Complain to somebody | complain to anyone |
| Confess to somebody | confess to someone |
| Confide to somebody | trust someone |
| Convey to somebody | transfer to someone |
| Explain to somebody | explain to someone |
| Listen to somebody | listen to anyone |
| Reply to somebody | answer someone |
| related to it somebody | relate to someone / something |
| Repeat to somebody | repeat to someone |
| Report to somebody | report to anyone |
| Say to somebody | tell anyone |
| State to somebody | present to anyone |
| Suggest to somebody | suggest to someone |
Also, moments where the use of to after verbs is not allowed:
| Used without “to” | Transfer |
| advise somebody | advise anyone |
| Answer somebody | answer someone |
| Ask somebody | ask anyone |
| hear somebody | hear anyone |
| Instruction somebody | instruct someone |
| Call somebody | call someone |
| Tell somebody | tell anyone |
| Warning somebody | warn anyone |
Using «to» with an infinitive
The preposition «to» is always used with the infinitive of a verb. For example:
I to read.
(I like to read)
I don’t want to eat it.
(I don’t want to eat this)
I’d to tell you about it.
(I would like to tell you about this)
The use of «to» to indicate the direction of travel.
If we are talking about the direction of movement, then we should also use the preposition «to».
I’m going to University.
(I’m going to the university)
He goes to school.
(He goes to school)
Let’s go to the cinema.
(Let’s go to the movies)
I’ll come to you tomorrow.
(I will come to you tomorrow)
I moved to Moscow last year.
(I moved to Moscow last year)
HO!
Source: https://enjoyenglish-blog.com/razgovornyj-anglijskij/upotreblenie-to-v-anglijskom.html
Verbs to be and to do in English: features of use
One of the most popular language confusion is the use of verbs to be и to do… This refers to the substitution of one verb for another, which occurs as a result of a misunderstanding of the functions and meanings of these words.
We have already covered the verb to be in detail, so now we will focus on comparing the use of verbs in situations in which confusion occurs most often.
Strong and weak verb
There are two broad categories of verbs in English — strong and weak.
Strong verbs include modal verbs and their equivalents, have got, auxiliary verbs (do / does / did) and to be… Strong verbs independently form negative constructs and questions:
Must he go to the dentist? — I must go to the dentist./I mustn’t eat apples.
In the case of weak verbs, we are not able to construct a question or negation without auxiliary ones, avoiding an error:
I live to Paris.
Live you in Paris? — error/
It is correct to say: Do you live in Paris?
He livesNote inParis. — error/
It is correct to say: He doesn’t live inParis.
So, we use the auxiliary do or two of its other forms (does / did) in order to correctly form questions and denials.
A mistake is born when students (by this word we mean all foreign language learners, young and old) begin to use auxiliary verbs for the forms to be:
He is Liza’s brother.
Does he is Liza’s brother? — error
He doesn’t is Liza’s brother. — error
Undoubtedly verb forms to be do not look like their original shape. We believe this is what can be confusing.
Remember: am, is, are, was, were are strong verbs and never use auxiliary do:
Is he Liza’s brother? — right
He is not Liza’s brither. — right
Rђ RІRѕS, do against. By itself how semantic this verb is weak and has a meaning делать… Accordingly, he needs the help of an auxiliary one that matches him in spelling and pronunciation doWhich is not translated into Russian and performs a purely grammatical function:
I do exercise every day.
Do I do exercise every day? — right
I don’t do exercise every day. — right
Do I exercise every day? — error
I do not exercise every day. — error / This sentence is meaningless and will be translated “I don’t exercise every day”. I would like to immediately ask “do not that? exercises»
Auxiliary
The second serious problem sometimes becomes choice of auxiliary verb.
Most of the courses are structured in such a way that acquaintance with English grammar and the language in general begins with the verb to be — to be, to be, to be somewhere.
Students are so used to designs with to bethat for them it becomes completely logical to use them as an auxiliary verb… It actually loses its meaning and sentences of this kind become grammatically equal:
She is inParis.
She lives inParis.
Let’s say that contextually it is possible to translate both of them as “She lives in Paris”. The following happens:
Is she in Paris? — right
Is she live in Paris? — ERROR
To benever will not be used as an auxiliary verb
Source: http://begin-english.ru/article/glagoly-to-be-i-to-do-v-angliyskom-yazyke-osobennosti-ispolzovaniya/
Such have to. Modal verb Have To in English
Modal verb have to (sometimes called a modal construction) is used to express a duty or need (in an affirmative or interrogative form) or a lack of duty and necessity (in a negative form). Also the verb have to can express confidence, certainty, probability.
have it is synonymous with modal verb must, and has a tinge of compulsion due to some circumstances.
For example:
This answer has to be correct.
This answer, should be, correct. (Expresses confidence, certainty.)
They Had to leave early.
Them had leave early. (Expresses obligation, compulsion due to circumstances.)
The soup has to be stirred continuously to prevent burning.
Soup from time to time necessary stir so that it does not burn. (Expresses the need.)
Use of the modal verb have to in the present, past and future tenses
In most cases, the use of modal verbs in the past and future tense differs from other verbs. The table below shows use of a modal verb have to in different situations.
Remember:
Design do not have to means no need, but not a prohibition, while the construction must not means a categorical prohibition.
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The verb system of the English language is significantly different from the Russian one. You can often hear: “English is so complicated! And modal verbs are something from the realm of fantasy. » In fact, there is nothing complicated about them: you need to take a closer look at them.
In this article we will deal with one such verb — “have to”.
Tense forms of the verb have to
The modal verb have to can be used in the present, past and future tenses. The table shows in detail the formation of different forms of the verb.
Present simple
Source: https://499c.ru/takoe-have-to-modalnyi-glagol-have-to-v-angliiskom-yazyke/
Using the to particle after modal verbs
I am glad to welcome you, friends! When you remember all the rules you have learned at school in English lessons, what you have heard dozens of times becomes clear in your memory:
«After modal verbs, the -to particle is not used, except for the following exceptions.»
After the word “exclusion,” the thread of memory is interrupted. I believe that a similar situation is observed among many school leavers, and in general, it will be useful for beginners to learn about this rule. Let’s put things right by putting in place the words that are exceptions and those that aren’t.
The to particle after the modal verb
The general rule is that a modal verb is always followed by an infinitive verb
It is well known that the grammatical feature of a verb in the infinitive is nothing more than the particle –to. A continuation of the above rule is a very important point that the verb is placed in the infinitive, but without the -to particle, indicating the infinitive.
Modal verbs that combine with the to particle
As mentioned, there are a few modal verbs that are exceptions when used in conjunction with –to.
| Used from -to parts | ||
| Verb | Example | Transfer |
| Right to | You ought to say this thing to him. | You need to tell him that. |
| Have (got) to | You have to go with him, if you are free. He has got to be at work by 7:45 am. | You should go with him if you’re free. He should be at work at 7:45 AM. |
| Be to | The bus is to leave in 8 minutes.When are we to return? | The bus leaves in 8 minutes, when do we need to get back? |
Using to with the verbs need and dare
In addition to the first and second groups of verbs, there are several modal verbs in English, which in some cases require the use of the -to particle after themselves, in some its use ceases to be necessary, these include:
-Need has not only one shape, but two — sufficient (or correct) and insufficient.
Insufficient form is used most often when specifying a one-time action. Observed only in negative and interrogative types of sentences in the present tense and used without -to to indicate the need for action
- Need we go now? — Do we really need to go now?
But the sufficient form –need is used to indicate repetitive actions in the meaning of «need», «required». Has the form of present and past tenses and can be used in all three types of sentences.
- Do you need to help them every day? — Do you need to help them every day?
- Do we need to go there every Sunday? — Should we go there every Sunday?
-Dare is a semi-modal verb due to the fact that it stands on the border between full-valued and modal
The modal –dare means “to have arrogance / courage”, has the forms of the present and the past, after which the infinitive is not used.
- How dare she tell him this thing? — How dare she say that to him?
The full-valued –dare has all the properties and characteristics of an ordinary verb, which is why it is followed by a verb in the infinitive with –to after it, as after an ordinary one.
- John dares to lie to him. — John dares to lie to him.
- He did not dare to lay a hand on her. “He dared not touch her.
Features of the modal verb used to
Another verb that should be mentioned in this article is -used to, always used with -to. Until now, its belonging to the category of modal words remains controversial, some linguists attribute it to the usual — full-valued. However, I am inclined to believe that its essence is closer to modal.
Its main difference from other modal words is that it has only one temporary form — the past.
- John used to be so serious when we knew him. “John was so serious when we knew him.
The auxiliary verb -do can be used to form negations and questions with -used to.
- I did not use to think of computer as a common thing when I was your age. “I didn’t treat the computer as a completely ordinary thing when I was your age.
- Did she use to visit them? — Did she visit them?
It is possible to construct these types of sentences without -do, which is another feature of this word.
- I used not to worry about my clothes when I was 10 years old. — I didn’t pay attention to my clothes when I was 10.
- Used you to play the piano? — Did you play the piano?
Hopefully you’ve figured out how to use –to after English modal verbs.
Good Luck!
Modal verbs in English
Source: https://englishfull.ru/grammatika/to-posle-modalnih-glagolov.html
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Summary:
This handout provides a detailed overview (including descriptions and examples) of gerunds, participles, and infinitives.
An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to plus a verb (in its simplest «stem» form) and functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb. The term verbal indicates that an infinitive, like the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being. However, the infinitive may function as a subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Although an infinitive is easy to locate because of the to + verb form, deciding what function it has in a sentence can sometimes be confusing.
- To wait seemed foolish when decisive action was required. (subject)
- Everyone wanted to go. (direct object)
- His ambition is to fly. (subject complement)
- He lacked the strength to resist. (adjective)
- We must study to learn. (adverb)
Be sure not to confuse an infinitive—a verbal consisting of to plus a verb—with a prepositional phrase beginning with to, which consists of to plus a noun or pronoun and any modifiers.
- Infinitives: to fly, to draw, to become, to enter, to stand, to catch, to belong
- Prepositional Phrases: to him, to the committee, to my house, to the mountains, to us, to this address
An Infinitive Phrase is a group of words consisting of an infinitive and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that function as the actor(s), direct object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the infinitive, such as:
We intended to leave early.
The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb intended.
to leave (infinitive)
early (adverb)
I have a paper to write before class.
The infinitive phrase functions as an adjective modifying paper.
to write (infinitive)
before class (prepositional phrase as adverb)
Phil agreed to give me a ride.
The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb agreed.
to give (infinitive)
me (indirect object of action expressed in infinitive)
a ride (direct object of action expressed in infinitive)
They asked me to bring some food.
The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb asked.
me (actor or «subject» of infinitive phrase)
to bring (infinitive)
some food (direct object of action expressed in infinitive)
Everyone wanted Carol to be the captain of the team.
The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb wanted.
Carol (actor or «subject» of infinitive phrase)
to be (infinitive)
the captain (subject complement for Carol, via state of being expressed in infinitive)
of the team (prepositional phrase as adjective)
Actors: In these last two examples the actor of the infinitive phrase could be roughly characterized as the «subject» of the action or state expressed in the infinitive. It is somewhat misleading to use the word subject, however, since an infinitive phrase is not a full clause with a subject and a finite verb. Also notice that when it is a pronoun, the actor appears in the objective case (me, not I, in the fourth example). Certain verbs, when they take an infinitive direct object, require an actor for the infinitive phrase; others can’t have an actor. Still other verbs can go either way, as the charts below illustrate.
Verbs that take infinitive objects without actors:
| agree | begin | continue | decide |
| fail | hesitate | hope | intend |
| learn | neglect | offer | plan |
| prefer | pretend | promise | refuse |
| remember | start | try |
Examples:
- Most students plan to study.
- We began to learn.
- They offered to pay.
- They neglected to pay.
- She promised to return.
In all of these examples no actor can come between the italicized main (finite) verb and the infinitive direct-object phrase.
Verbs that take infinitive objects with actors:
| advise | allow | convince | remind |
| encourage | force | hire | teach |
| instruct | invite | permit | tell |
| implore | incite | appoint | order |
Examples:
- He reminded me to buy milk.
- Their fathers advise them to study.
- She forced the defendant to admit the truth.
- You’ve convinced the director of the program to change her position.
- I invite you to consider the evidence.
In all of these examples an actor is required after the italicized main (finite) verb and before the infinitive direct-object phrase.
Verbs that use either pattern:
| ask | expect | (would) like | want | need |
Examples:
- I asked to see the records.
- I asked him to show me the records.
- Trent expected his group to win.
- Trent expected to win.
- Brenda likes to drive fast.
- Brenda likes her friend to drive fast.
In all of these examples the italicized main verb can take an infinitive object with or without an actor.
Punctuation: If the infinitive is used as an adverb and is the beginning phrase in a sentence, it should be set off with a comma; otherwise, no punctuation is needed for an infinitive phrase.
- To buy a basket of flowers, John had to spend his last dollar.
- To improve your writing, you must consider your purpose and audience.
Points to remember
- An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to plus a verb; it may be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
- An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive plus modifier(s), object(s), complement(s), and/or actor(s).
- An infinitive phrase requires a comma only if it is used as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence.
Split infinitives
Split infinitives occur when additional words are included between to and the verb in an infinitive. Many readers find a single adverb splitting the infinitive to be acceptable, but this practice should be avoided in formal writing.
Examples:
- I like to on a nice day walk in the woods. * (unacceptable)
On a nice day, I like to walk in the woods. (revised) - I needed to quickly gather my personal possessions. (acceptable in informal contexts)
I needed to gather my personal possessions quickly. (revised for formal contexts)
I have the following simple sentence:
This is the file to download.
I know what this sentence means (This is the file that shall be downloaded.). However, I believe that this paraphrase depends on the current context; but I don’t understand what role the «to download» has in the sentence. What is this construction called?
herisson
76.9k9 gold badges196 silver badges339 bronze badges
asked Sep 16, 2015 at 20:36
8
In a comment, ProfessorAnswers are competitive and I have an unfair advantage Lawler answered:
This is what’s known as a Relative Infinitive. Relative clauses are tensed clauses normally (the man who came to dinner; the chair (that/which) he sat in), but infinitives may also occur.
Relative infinitives have a number of peculiarities:
- they always imply some deontic modal like should, so the example means This is the file that one should download;
- the antecedent can be either the subject or the object of the infinitive (the man to talk to; the man to do the job);
- no relative pronoun, except when pied-piping: the man with whom to speak, but *the man who(m)/that to watch.
1
«To download» is an infinitive, functioning as an adjective describing «file.» An infinitive is the word «to» plus a verb. It is functioning in that sentence as an adjective; ask the question, «Which file?» to get specifically «the file to download.»
answered Oct 3, 2016 at 20:56
Infinitives are nouns from verbals with a ‘to’+root’ verb form. Hence beside being serving the function of a verb(taking subject/object) and noun(be subject/object/complement) they also function as adjectives and adverbs.
In the instant example ‘to download’ functions as an adjective with the meaning ‘ downloadable’ or ‘ for downloding’. However,this adjectival use of infinitive is always postpositive or post nominal. To delve deep refer the nice comment of John Lawler.
answered Sep 20, 2015 at 19:20
3
Infinitives can function as adjectives and/or complements of nouns. For example:
a place to stay
something to do
So it’s an infinitive functioning as an adjective of file.
sbj: This
vrb: is
cmp: file
det: the
adj: (to download)
answered Mar 19, 2016 at 20:54
WilliamWilliam
1,7203 gold badges17 silver badges29 bronze badges
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Identifying
Which is infinitive?
Is this infinitive?
100
To worry her would be bad.
To worry
100
next to the tree
/to climb
to climb
100
To eat
yes
200
Do you know how to walk?
to walk
200
To win
/in the jar
To win
200
To cauterize
Yes
300
To survive Coach Kinney’s daily notes.
To survive
300
Too tired to notice
/To nap
To nap
300
Too many
No
400
Will you walk to the store and make sure to finish your work.
To finish
400
to the store
/to run
to run
400
To excommunicate
Yes
500
«To be or not to be that is the question.»
To be, to be
500
To church
/To sing
to sing
500
To retire
Yes
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