Infinitive
noun
The basic form of a verb that usually follows 'to'.
In the sentence 'I like to read', 'to read' is the infinitive.
Often appears as...
- infinitive form
- split infinitive
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Relating to the infinitive form of a verb.
In 'I need to study', the word 'study' is an infinitive verb.
Often appears as...
- infinitive phrase
- infinitive verb
Usage tips
Academic
noun
The basic form of a verb that usually follows 'to'.
In the sentence 'I like to read', 'to read' is the infinitive.
Often appears as...
- infinitive form
- split infinitive
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Relating to the infinitive form of a verb.
In 'I need to study', the word 'study' is an infinitive verb.
Often appears as...
- infinitive phrase
- infinitive verb
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Common Collocations
Pairs with 'split' or 'bare' to discuss different verb forms.
Experts often debate the correctness of 'split infinitives'.
Pro Tip 2/3Purpose Indicator
Used to explain the reason for an action.
He went to the store to buy milk.
Pro Tip 3/3After Certain Verbs
Often follows verbs like 'want', 'try', or 'learn'.
She wants to dance gracefully.
Pro Tip 1/3Common Collocations
Pairs with 'split' or 'bare' to discuss different verb forms.
Experts often debate the correctness of 'split infinitives'.
Pro Tip 2/3Purpose Indicator
Used to explain the reason for an action.
He went to the store to buy milk.
Pro Tip 3/3After Certain Verbs
Often follows verbs like 'want', 'try', or 'learn'.
She wants to dance gracefully.
Pro Tip 1/3Common Collocations
Pairs with 'split' or 'bare' to discuss different verb forms.
Experts often debate the correctness of 'split infinitives'.
Pro Tip 2/3Purpose Indicator
Used to explain the reason for an action.
He went to the store to buy milk.
Pro Tip 3/3After Certain Verbs
Often follows verbs like 'want', 'try', or 'learn'.
She wants to dance gracefully.
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Quote examples
David Leavitt
American Novelist
It was an instinct to put the world in order that powered her mending split infinitives and snipping off dangling participles, smoothing away the knots and bumps until the prose before her took on a sheen, like perfect caramel.
Quote examples
Sonia Sotomayor
American Judge
Each time I see a split infinitive, an inconsistent tense structure or the unnecessary use of the passive voice, I blister.
Quote examples
Ralph Steadman
British Cartoonist
I am an artist and have no right buggering about with verbs and split infinitives, which is what being a writer says to me.
Quote examples
Sri Aurobindo
Indian Philosopher
Spirituality is indeed the master key of the Indian mind; the sense of the infinitive is native to it.
Quote examples
David Leavitt
American Novelist
It was an instinct to put the world in order that powered her mending split infinitives and snipping off dangling participles, smoothing away the knots and bumps until the prose before her took on a sheen, like perfect caramel.
Quote examples
Sonia Sotomayor
American Judge
Each time I see a split infinitive, an inconsistent tense structure or the unnecessary use of the passive voice, I blister.
Quote examples
Ralph Steadman
British Cartoonist
I am an artist and have no right buggering about with verbs and split infinitives, which is what being a writer says to me.
Quote examples
Sri Aurobindo
Indian Philosopher
Spirituality is indeed the master key of the Indian mind; the sense of the infinitive is native to it.
Example 1 of 4
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