noun / adjective
infinitive
in-FIN-uh-tiv/ɪnˈfɪnətɪv/
A basic verb form that does not show tense, often used with “to” in English.
The phrase to run uses an infinitive without showing tense.
Etymology
The “not limited” idea became a grammatical label: an infinitive is indefinite because it is not restricted by person or number. It expresses the verb’s general sense rather than specifying who performs it.
In context
english had a separate infinitive form unconjugated form with its own ending
More examples
- After “can,” use an infinitive without “to,” as in “can sing.”
- An infinitive phrase can act as the subject of a sentence.
- The infinitives “to read” and “to write” both name actions.
Forms
infinitive · infinitives
infinitival adjective — Relating to an infinitive verb form.