The infinitive is the base verb form, conveying no information about person, number, mood or tense.
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1answer
29 views
“I saw him TAKE it” and “I thought he KNEW it”?
I'm confused by the use of these two tenses "I saw him TAKE it" and "I thought he KNEW it" Why I saw him + infinity form verb but I thought he + past tense??
0
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1answer
25 views
Is it idiomatic to use an infinitive after gerund?
for example:
1.stop trying to impress others
2.stop trying to please everyone
Can we use an infinitive after gerund?
Is it grammatically normal?
0
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1answer
19 views
Which one to use in an enumeration, to-infinitives, bare infinitives, or gerunds?
I am writing a summary paper about a report I read with this sentence in it:
This report follows two steps: determine the population density increase and analyze the productivity growth influenced ...
0
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1answer
48 views
would rather have v3 than v3 or would rather have v3 than vinf
What would be the correct structure for "would rather...than..." in past aspect?
1.) would rather have v3 than v3
ex. He would rather have gone out than stayed.
2.) would rather have v3 than ...
0
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1answer
31 views
When should we use “Perfect infinitive” instead of “infinitive” in passive voice?
I was doing exercises from great blue textbook when I met the difficult one. Please, explain me the difference between usage infinitive and present infinitive in passive voice.
Foe example:
Do you ...
0
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0answers
36 views
So small as to not be
The following is from Advanced Grammar in Use, 1st ed. by Martin Hewings:
Less commonly we use so followed by an adjective and as to with a
similar meaning (similar to so...that): The difference ...
0
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1answer
16 views
Use of infinitives in noun phrases
I know that we can use to-infinitives in a noun phrase outside a dependent clause, but can we use another type of infinitives, such as a bare infinitive? I can't think of any example for bare ...
0
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4answers
28 views
Do we have to use “to-infinitive” just after a noun?
In such a conversation, is the sentence with "*" wrong?
Many people in Athens had time to get away from the fire, but, to save their children, they didn't have any time.
Do you think that the part ...
1
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1answer
41 views
it is (of) no use V-ing / to V
I was told that "it is no use" is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive in current English. What about the "it is of no use"? Does it pattern in the same way?
Consider the following:
It is no use ...
2
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1answer
46 views
Does the verb need “to” in this sentence? [duplicate]
All that can do is [to] make us disappointed.
Is the "to" required for the above sentence?
0
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1answer
30 views
Can we put infinitives at the beginning in order to emphasize them?
In order to emphasize the infinitive, can I change its position?
Example,
1-) Your brother has some opportunities to get a better education in the U.K, but to go to the U.S, he doesn't have any ...
0
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3answers
62 views
Chinese people are trying to learn their babies' gender by looking at the calendar before they are born
My question is about the location of "before" and "by".
I am not sure which one should be close to "learn".
Chinese people are trying to learn their babies' gender by looking at the calendar ...
0
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2answers
29 views
These terms are important for me to work here happily
Can I use infinitive clauses in that way?
1-) These terms are important for me to work here happily.
2-) These terms are important to work here happily.(If it is obvious that I am talking ...
0
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1answer
35 views
This is one of the hardest books in the world to understand
That's the original sentence.
This is one of the hardest books in the world to understand.
What do you think the function of "to understand" is ?
I think it is connected to a whole noun phrase "...
1
vote
2answers
30 views
Preposition at the end of infinitives vs. no preposition
You need a pen to write.
You need a pen to write with.
Are there any differences between the two sentences above? Which is more commonly spoken?
0
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2answers
41 views
The difference between some sentences with adjective+noun+to do smt/for
I was told that
"We are looking for an eager person to work for our company"
is not the same as
"We are looking for a person who is eager to work for our company"
, but the same as
"We ...
2
votes
2answers
74 views
Why can we say “Enough money to do something” but not “a ready machine to do something”?
We can say:
I have enough money to go to Italy.
Which means:
I have money which is enough to go to Italy
But why does the following sentence not work?
I have a ready machine to run for 10 ...
2
votes
1answer
199 views
To see vs Seeing
It felt really nice seeing all the things fall together into place.
Vs
It felt really nice to see all the things fall together into place.
Is this just an infinite- gerund thing ?
Or are the ...
0
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0answers
32 views
A usage of infinitive clause which doesn't refer to “a noun” and doesn't specify “a purpose”. What is that?
Today, I saw a different usage of infinitive clauses at the university and would like to ask you it in order to be familiar with that usage.(Examples from my professor)
There should be more than ...
1
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2answers
37 views
That money is enough to donate to charity
I am not sure about which forms are correct.
That money is enough to donate to charity
That money is enough to donate it to charity
--
This car is very luxury to buy.
This car is very ...
0
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3answers
39 views
Can we use infinitive clauses with prepositions at the end of them for a purpose?
Do they always have to be next to nouns?
Examples;
To talk about, We should find a topic.
To live lots of amazing moments with, I need some friends.
To study with, I will invite my friend ...
0
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0answers
19 views
Some opportunities to get a better education exist
My English teachers said that changing the position of an infinitive may not change anything.
Example,
Some opportunities to get a better education exist.
Some opportunities exist to get a better ...
4
votes
2answers
453 views
I am glad to be selected vs. I am glad to have been selected
When someone makes a speech about having been selected as an outstanding employee of the month, which is correct to say between "I am glad to be selected" and "I am glad to have been selected"? Thank ...
0
votes
1answer
44 views
Can I use “Verb + Infinitive + Gerund”?
Can verb, infinitive, and gerund be used together? Especially in this sentence:
That book has helped me to overcome my struggling.
Helped + To overcome + Struggling
0
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1answer
178 views
Is this sentence correct? “I forgot to brought my money”
I forgot to brought my money.
I am an English teacher but I got stranded in this sentence. I know (or I least, I think) it’s more common to say:
I forgot to bring my money.
but I can’t explain ...
0
votes
2answers
44 views
What does the phrase “to be admired” mean here?
Tell me please what to be means there. Why did not the speaker just say and that is admired?
Wonder Woman has flaws.… It succeeds in spite of them, and that is to be admired, but we cannot start ...
1
vote
2answers
51 views
Is “to” the better preposition than “for” in this sentence?
A sentence on this page strikes me as odd as I am checking dictionaries
‘An alien life form has arrived to earth and is jumping from body to body, killing everything in its path and stealing ...
0
votes
1answer
13 views
infinitve and be verb
I wrote a letter to have our scheduled meeting be moved"
is "to have our scheduled meeting be moved" infinitive clause? what is meaning of "to have"?
why use "be moved"? is it passive voice?
thank ...
0
votes
1answer
31 views
a jacket which is to be worn
Can one say
This is a jacket which is to wear in cold weather.
This is a jacket which is to be worn in cold weather.
This is a jacket which is for wearing in cold weather.
This is a jacket to wear in ...
0
votes
2answers
40 views
Infinitive clause question query
"We try to be nice" In this sentence " to be nice" us an infinitive clause.
So my question is whether it is an object for the verb or is it functioning as an adjective.
1
vote
1answer
192 views
infinitive vs gerund usage
Is this sentence correct?
"For me, in fact, it is really important to knowing people that may make you culturally richer"
Should it be "important to know" or "important to knowing"?
What's the ...
0
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1answer
29 views
Can I use “to talked” in this situtation?
My mother called me every night to talked with me and encouraged me.
Can I use to talked in this sentence?
0
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1answer
140 views
Use of “to be joining”
I'm studying English and I've read this sentence:
I'm very happy to be joining this team
Why is it possible to use "to be joining"?
Thanks!
2
votes
1answer
60 views
He brought a bag for someone to take (it)
I have been thinking about the sentence "He brought a bag for someone to take (it)" because if I used "so that", I think "it" would be required.
"He brought a bag so that someone can take it". I have ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Should there be an infinitive in “sharp corrections to elevated stock prices”?
…the Survey calls "a classic emerging market 'sudden stall' induced by sharp corrections to elevated stock prices." With Indian stock indices continuing…
(emphasis added)
Why it is "to + verb 2nd ...
0
votes
0answers
16 views
Which Infinitive form should be used-active or passive
I have confusion between use of active and passive form of infinitive.In following two group of two statements,I think second ones are correct.
1.Figs are good to eat.
2.Figs are good to be eaten.
1....
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0answers
50 views
Question about bare infinitive in the sentences
From 1955, working full-time on no salary, he began to buzz with good ideas. Put six bagels in a plastic bag to give them a three-day life, rather than seven hours. Sell them in grocery stores to ...
1
vote
1answer
97 views
The fact that + verb (inf. vs gerund)
I need help filling out my Work & Travel application. In the personal statement section, I have to write what I hope to experience during my time in the US.
I wrote:
I will experience a new ...
0
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1answer
47 views
What are the rules for using to-infinitives?
Okay so let's start with verbs and to-infinitives. For example:
This tool is used for opening ** or **This tool is used to open
Which would be correct and why? I know that the to-infinitives are used ...
0
votes
0answers
32 views
Can I turn “someone I can call” into “someone to call”?
I need someone I can call at 3 am
Can I write the above sentence
This way:
I need someone to call at 3 am
(Dont know but it doesn't sound okay to me)
0
votes
1answer
126 views
What's the difference in meaning between “challenge” + infinitives(to V.) vs. gerund(V. ing)
I have a problem in comparing these two sentences.
DDP challenges protecting inventor's ideas.
DDP challenges to protect inventor's ideas.
Translation in my book says (1) means DDP opposes ...
0
votes
1answer
25 views
“I've got so much work” - does this phrase need to be finished by “to do”?
I'm always writing down that phrase without that infinitive part "to do". In that case, I mean that I have to do all the work, but it's only mine interpretation and it seems to be a likely ...
4
votes
1answer
277 views
to carry out vs for carrying out
I have read a sentence:
my school needs better facilities for carrying out scientific experiments
is not it supposed to be:
my school needs better facilities to carry out scientific experiments
...
0
votes
0answers
15 views
Please teach me whether the infinitive phrase is grammatically correct or not
At Studfiles, I have found [People who will go to the concert next month must buy tickets in advance.
→People going to the concert next month must buy tickets in advance.}, but I wonder whether to-go ...
0
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0answers
111 views
to-infinitive / to+-ing (preposition)
In the following example:
"It's necessary to do an exam to follow in this school"
"to do" is a to-infinitive and it can be replaced by a noun to prove that "to" is not a preposition. E.g.: "It's ...
1
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1answer
154 views
Using an infinitive in subordinate clause
The Infinitive phrase may be
subject: For you to learn English is good
subjective complement: My desire is for my family to be happy
object: I consider it better for children to learn ...
0
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0answers
32 views
am not an idiot
Can one say
a. I am not idiot to trust him.
b. I am not foolish to trust him.
?
Do they mean
I trust him but that does not mean I am an idiot/foolish.
or
I don't trust him. I'd have to be an ...
0
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0answers
11 views
Should i specify who is doing the action when I use “it” as dummy subject?
Should i specify who is doing the action when I use "it" as dummy subject?
For instance:
It would be interesting to tell us about ...
Is this okay?
1
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2answers
25 views
Why is it Infinitive
"She must go there".Why is go infinitive?
Neither it is acting like a noun nor it is qualifying any verb,noun or adjective.
If above mentioned qualities are not prerequisites for being an infinitive ...
1
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1answer
53 views
Should objective complement be Infinitive or Gerund
Somewhere in a book,I saw this line - "I saw him go" which I find stilted because I feel notion for line "I saw him going".
On little dwelling,I found that this is case of incomplete predication and ...
