Infinitive Meaning
/ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe infinitive mood or mode (a grammatical mood).
nounA non-finite verb form considered neutral with respect to inflection; depending on language variously found used with auxiliary verbs, in subordinate clauses, or acting as a gerund, and often as the dictionary form.
Sentence Examples
'Needless to say' is often used as an idiomatic expression in the infinitive.
An infinitive without a 'to' attached is called a bare infinitive.
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the sentence 'She wants to run', the word 'to' is part of an ____ verb form.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In your English class, you will learn how to correctly use the ____ form of many different verbs.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English infenitife (“without end, in perpetuity”), from Late Latin īnfīnītīvus (“unlimited, indefinite”), from Latin īnfīnītus (“unlimited, infinite”). By surface analysis, infinite + -ive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The MANNERS of acting, in grammar called modes or moods, are four; Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, Subjunctive or Conjunctive."
— 1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 69:
"There are four moods, the Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, and Subjunctive. [...] the Infinitive is used to express a thing in a general manner."
— 1857, Henry Tindall, A grammar and vocabulary of the Namaqua-Hottentot language, page 38:
"INFINITIVE MOOD or MANNER.
To Have, Avoir."
— 1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 70:
"In English there are four moods:–1. The Infinitive Mood. 2. The Indicative Mood. 3. the Imperative Mood. 4. The Subjunctive Mood."
— 1858, C. P. Mason, English grammar; including the principles of grammatical analysis, London, page 32:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the sentence 'She wants to run', the word 'to' is part of an ____ verb form.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In your English class, you will learn how to correctly use the ____ form of many different verbs.