Verbs

Verbs are divided into two main categories:

o Finite Verbs
o Non-Finite Verbs

Finite Verbs: Finite verbs are verbs that change their form based on the
subject (1st, 2nd, or 3rd person), tense (past, present, or future), or number
(singular or plural). They serve as the main verb of a sentence and express a
complete action or state.

Non-Finite Verbs: Non-finite verbs do not change according to the subject,

tense, or number. They cannot act as the main verb of a sentence on their
own and are used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Non-Finite Verbs are further divided into three main categories:

o Infinitives
o Participles
o Gerunds

Verbals: Verbals are non-finite verbs (infinitives, gerunds, and participles)

that function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. When
infinitives, gerunds, and participles act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in
sentences, we call them verbals.
 All verbals are non-finite verbs, but not all non-finite verbs are always
acting as verbals.

When an Infinitive is a Non-Finite Verb but NOT a Verbal:

Example: I want to read a book.
Here, "to read" is a non-finite verb, but it’s not yet functioning as a noun,
adjective, or adverb—it simply follows the main verb "want."

When an Infinitive is Acting as a Verbal:

Example: To read is my hobby.
In this sentence, "to read" acts as a noun (the subject of the sentence).
Hence, it's functioning as a verbal.

Infinitives

An infinitive is the base form of a verb that can function as a noun, adjective,
or adverb. It's often preceded by the word "to" (e.g., "to eat," "to sleep").

It is the form of the verb that does not change according to the subject or
tense. (The infinitive is neutral and doesn't indicate who is performing the
action (subject) and when the action is being performed (tense))
Examples:
o to eat
o to run
o to speak

However, sometimes the infinitive form is used without "to," which is called
the bare (plain) infinitive.

Examples:
o eat
o run
o speak

Types of Infinitives

1. Present Infinitive
2. Present Continuous Infinitive
3. Perfect Infinitive
4. Perfect Continuous Infinitive
5. Present Passive Infinitive
6. Perfect Passive Infinitive
7. Bare Infinitive
8. Split Infinitive
9. Infinitive with Only "to"

1) Present Infinitive

The present infinitive is the base form of the verb preceded by "to." It
represents an action in its general form without specifying a tense.
Form: to + base verb (e.g., to go, to eat, to write)
Examples:
She wants to travel.
They plan to study.
He needs to finish his work.
I want to work

When/Why to Use: The present infinitive is used to express actions in

general, future actions, or actions that are desired, planned, or needed. It
doesn't indicate any specific time for the action.

2) Present Continuous Infinitive

The present continuous infinitive indicates an ongoing action. It’s used to

describe an action that is happening continuously or around a certain time.
Form: to be + present participle (verb + ing)
Examples:
He seems to be sleeping. (அவன் தூங்குவது போல் தெரிகிறது.)
They appear to be waiting for someone.
She claims to be working on the project.
He seems to be working.
He seems to be speaking in English.
She seems to be working on the project.
They appear to be planning a surprise.

When/Why to Use: The present continuous infinitive is used to emphasize

that an action is currently happening or ongoing. It's often used with verbs
like seem, appear, claim, etc.

3) Perfect Infinitive

The perfect infinitive refers to a completed action or a hypothetical situation

in the past.
Form: to have + past participle (verb + ed/en)

Examples:
She claims to have seen the movie already. (அவள் ஏற்கனவே படம்
பார்த்ததாக கூறுகிறாள்)
He is happy to have finished the work. (வேலையை முடித்த
மகிழ்ச்சியில் இருக்கிறார்)
They seem to have forgotten the appointment. (அவர்கள் நியமனத்தை
மறந்துவிட்டதாகத் தெரிகிறது)
She was to have made the announcement. (அவள் அறிவிப்பு
செய்திருக்க வேண்டும்.)

When/Why to Use: The perfect infinitive is used to indicate that the action
was completed before the time of the main verb. It often appears in
sentences expressing regret, certainty, or assumption about past actions.

4) Perfect Continuous Infinitive

The perfect continuous infinitive expresses an action that was ongoing over a
period of time in the past and may still be ongoing.
Form: to have been + present participle (verb + ing)

Examples:
She seems to have been waiting for hours. (அவள் மணிக்கணக்கில்
காத்திருந்தாள் போல் தெரிகிறது.)
They claim to have been working all night. (அவர்கள் இரவு முழுவதும்
வேலை செய்ததாக கூறுகின்றனர்.)
 He appears to have been studying hard. (அவன் கடினமாகப் படித்ததாகத்
தெரிகிறது.)
They pretended to have been working. (அவர்கள் வேலை பார்ப்பது போல்
நடித்தனர்.)
He claims to have been studying all night.
They seem to have been waiting for hours.

When/Why to Use: The perfect continuous infinitive is used to describe

actions that were ongoing over a period of time and are viewed in retrospect.
It emphasizes the duration of the action.

5) Present Passive Infinitive

The present passive infinitive is used to describe actions that are happening
to the subject rather than being performed by the subject.
Form: to be + past participle (verb + ed/en)

Examples:
He wants to be promoted. (அவன் பதவி உயர்வு பெற விரும்புகிறான்.)
The report needs to be finished by tomorrow. (அறிக்கையை நாளைக்குள்
முடிக்க வேண்டும்.)
She hopes to be accepted into the program. (அவள் திட்டத்தில்
ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளப்படுவார் என்று நம்புகிறாள்.)
We want the project to be completed. (நாங்கள் திட்டத்தை முடிக்க
விரும்புகிறோம்.)
The book needs to be returned.
The documents are ready to be signed.

When/Why to Use: The present passive infinitive is used when the emphasis
is on the action being done to someone or something, rather than on who is
performing the action. It is common in passive constructions.

6) Perfect Passive Infinitive

The perfect passive infinitive refers to an action that has been completed
and was done to the subject.
Form: to have been + past participle (verb + ed/en)

Examples:
She is happy to have been chosen for the role.( அந்த
கதாபாத்திரத்திற்கு தேர்வு செய்யப்பட்டதில் மகிழ்ச்சியாக
இருக்கிறாள்.)
The building was supposed to have been completed by now.( இந்த
கட்டிடம் தற்போது கட்டி முடிக்கப்பட்டிருக்க வேண்டும்)
He regrets to have been rejected by the company. (நிறுவனத்தால்
நிராகரிக்கப்பட்டதற்கு அவன் வருந்துகிறான்.)
 He is believed to have been arrested. (அவன் கைது செய்யப்பட்டதாக
நம்பப்படுகிறது.)
The report was believed to have been completed last week.
The contract is expected to have been signed by now.

When/Why to Use: The perfect passive infinitive is used to indicate that an

action was completed in the past and was done to the subject. It often
appears in sentences that reflect on past events.

7) Bare Infinitive (Plain Infinitive)

The bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without "to." It is used after
certain verbs and modal verbs.
Form: base verb (e.g., go, eat, write)

Examples:
She made him apologize. (அவனை மன்னிப்பு கேட்க வைத்தாள்.)
You should go now.
They let us leave early. (எங்களை சீக்கிரம் கிளம்ப அனுமதித்தார்கள்.)
They made us work. (எங்களை வேலை செய்ய வைத்தார்கள்.)
I let him go. I let him to go
I saw him cry.
They heard me come.
We will make you pass the exam.
I saw him run across the street.
I saw him go.
We heard them sing in the garden.
We heard the baby cry
She watched the children play in the park.
I watched the birds fly.
I noticed him leave the room.
Do you notice anyone talk to her?
Let - Let me help you with that.
She let me stay with her.
Please let me explain.
The coach made the team practice hard.
She made him apologize.
They make him understand the reality.
I'll have the waiter bring us some water.
I will not have them use my things.
He bid them enter the room.
Bid him go.
You need only ask.
We need not buy this dress. (However, need is more commonly used
with to nowadays, e.g., You need to go, You do not need to buy this
dress)
 He didn't dare speak. (In negative sentences or questions, it can be
followed by the bare infinitive, though to can also be used: He didn't
dare to speak.)
You dare not enter my house.
She helped me find the book. (Help can be followed by either a bare
infinitive or a to-infinitive: She helped me to find the book.)
They helped him carry the boxes." (Note: "Help" can also be followed
by the to-infinitive, e.g., "They helped him to carry the boxes," but the
bare infinitive is more common.)
Please help me do it / Please help me to do it.
I felt the wind blow through the window.
I felt the table shake

When/Why to Use: The bare infinitive is used after modal verbs (e.g., can,
should, will) and certain verbs like See, Hear, Watch, Notice, Make, Have, Bid,
Need, Dare, Help and Feel
Verbs of Perception (e.g., see, hear, watch, notice, feel):
When used with verbs of perception like see, hear, watch, feel, notice, the
bare infinitive is used when we perceive the entire action. If you only
perceive part of the action or it's ongoing, the -ing form is used instead.

Bare Infinitive Example: I saw her dance all night. (You saw the entire action.)
-ing Example: I saw her dancing. (You saw part of the action or it was
ongoing.)

Causative Verbs (e.g., make, have, let, bid):

These verbs cause someone else to perform an action, so the to is omitted.
Example:
The teacher made the students write an essay.
I let him borrow my car.
I'll have the mechanic check the engine.

8) Split Infinitive

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is inserted between

"to" and the base verb.
Form: to + adverb + base verb

Examples:
She wants to really understand the problem.
He decided to quickly leave.
They hope to fully explore the topic.
I request you to kindly consider my application.
He tried to carefully explain the problem. (Split infinitive: "to carefully
explain")
She wants to really understand the topic.
When/Why to Use: A split infinitive is used when you want to emphasize the
adverb or other word modifying the verb. Though traditionally avoided, it is
becoming more accepted in modern English.

9) Infinitive with Only "to"

This occurs when "to" is used on its own, with the verb being implied, often
due to ellipsis (omission of words).
Form: to (implied verb)
Examples:
Are you going to the party? No, I don't want to.
I asked him to come, but he refused to.
Will you help me? Yes, I'll try to.
Did you inform him? No, I forgot to. (Here, "to" stands for "to inform")

When/Why to Use: This construction is used to avoid repetition when the

main verb is clear from context. It makes the sentence shorter and more
fluid.

Uses of the Infinitive

1. Infinitive as the Subject of the Verb

The infinitive functions as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action
or state that the sentence is about.
Form: To + base form of the verb.

Examples:

To learn a new language is challenging but rewarding.

To exercise regularly is essential for good health.
To find the right solution took a lot of time.
To err is human.
To help others is important.
To swim is good exercise.
To read broadens the mind.
To swim is fun.
To read is essential for growth.

Usage Explanation: Infinitives are often used as the subject to express a

general or abstract action or state. This usage is less common in everyday
conversation but is more prevalent in formal writing.

2. Infinitive as the Object of the Verb

The infinitive functions as the direct object of the verb, receiving the action.
Form: Verb + to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

She wants to travel the world.

They hope to finish the project on time.
I need to study for the exam.
He likes to go for a morning walk.
They refused to leave.
She wants to travel.
They decided to leave early.

Usage Explanation: Here, the infinitive acts as the object of the main verb,
often conveying the purpose or intention behind the action.

3. Infinitive as the Complement of the Verb

The infinitive provides additional information that completes the meaning of

the verb, often specifying what the subject or object is supposed to do.
Form: Verb + to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

His goal is to become a successful entrepreneur.

Her dream was to live in Paris.
The plan was to start a new initiative.
Her job is to look after the children.
Our ambition is to serve the poor.
His goal is to become a doctor.
Her job is to organize the event.
His dream was to travel the world.

Usage Explanation: In this case, the infinitive completes the meaning of the
main verb by specifying what the subject or object is aimed at or intending
to do.

4. Infinitive as the Object of a Preposition

The infinitive acts as the object of a preposition, typically when the

preposition is part of a fixed expression or idiom.
Form: Preposition + to + base form of the verb.

Examples:
 She is excited about going to the concert.
He is responsible for managing the team.
They are committed to improving their skills.
He had no choice but to wait.
We are about to start.
She had no option but (except) to resign her job.

Usage Explanation: Infinitives can follow prepositions in certain expressions

or idiomatic phrases, often adding detail about the purpose or reason.

5. Infinitive as an Object Complement

The infinitive provides additional information about the object of the

sentence, typically following verbs that imply a purpose or result.
Form: Verb + object + to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

We elected him to lead the committee.

She considers it important to attend the meeting.
They hired him to design the new website.
We heard him shout.
I saw him go.
She asked him to leave.
They encouraged the students to participate.

Usage Explanation: Here, the infinitive complements the object of the verb,
providing further details about what the object is meant to do or be.

6. Infinitive as an Adjective
The infinitive modifies a noun, giving more information about the noun’s
purpose or function.
Form: Noun + to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

He bought a book to read on vacation.

They need a place to stay for the night.
I’m looking for a pen to write with.
I have a lot of work to do.
She has a plan to improve sales.
I have a book to read.
This is the place to be.

Usage Explanation: Infinitives used as adjectives describe or qualify a noun,

often indicating the purpose or function of that noun.
7. Infinitive as an Adverb
The infinitive modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, indicating the purpose or
reason for the action.
Form: Verb + to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

She went to the store to buy some groceries.

He was early to finish his work.
They trained hard to win the competition.
He went to the store to buy groceries.
She studies hard to succeed.
She works hard to succeed.
He was eager to help.

Usage Explanation: Infinitives used as adverbs explain why an action is done

or provide the purpose behind it.

8. Infinitive as Part of a Fixed Expression

The infinitive is used within a set phrase or idiomatic expression that follows
a specific pattern.
Form: Fixed expression with to + base form of the verb.

Examples:

It’s important to the best of my knowledge.

I’m looking forward to meeting you.
She has a tendency to overthink.
To be honest, I didn’t like the movie.
To sum up, we achieved our goals.

Usage Explanation: Infinitives in fixed expressions often convey specific

meanings or are part of common idiomatic phrases.

9. Infinitive as an Ellipsis (Infinitive with Only "to")

The infinitive can be used to omit repetitive elements in a sentence, where

the full infinitive is implied.
Form: To + base form of the verb (with the full infinitive implied).

Examples:

I hope to finish by Friday and you do, too. (Implied: I hope to finish by
Friday.)
 She prefers to study in the library, and he prefers to study at home.
They need to leave soon; I need to leave now.
Are you coming? No, I don’t want to (meaning: to come).

Usage Explanation: The ellipsis with infinitives avoids repetition by implying

the full infinitive, which is understood from the context.

The verbs that often come before the infinitive "to" are known as verb + to-
infinitive structures. These verbs are commonly followed by "to" and another
verb in its base form.
Here's a list of some of the most frequently used verbs that fit this pattern:

Advise -
Agree - She agreed to help me.
Aim - He aims to become a doctor.
Arrange - We arranged to meet at noon.
Ask - I asked him to join us.
Attempt - She attempted to finish the work.
Begin - They began to sing.
Choose - He chose to stay home.
Decide - We decided to go on a trip.
Encourage -
Expect - They expect to arrive soon.
Fail - He failed to complete the task.
Forget - I forgot to call you.
Happen - She happened to see him at the mall.
Hope - We hope to win the game.
Intend - I intend to learn French.
Invite -
Learn - She learned to play the guitar.
Like - He likes to swim in the morning.
Love - They love to dance.
Manage - He managed to fix the car.
Mean -
Need - I need to study.
Order -
Offer - She offered to help us.
Persuade -
Plan - We plan to travel next month.
Prepare - He prepared to leave.
Pretend - She pretended to sleep.
Promise - They promised to be on time.
Remind -
Refuse - He refused to answer the question.
Remember - I remembered to lock the door.
Seem - He seems to be tired.
Tell -
Tend - Cats tend to sleep a lot.
Try - They tried to reach the top.
Threaten -
Want - I want to learn English.
Warn -
Wish - She wishes to travel the world.
Would like - I would like to order a coffee.
Would love -
Would prefer -
Would hate -

Certain verbs in English can be followed by either a to-infinitive or an -ing

form (gerund), and both structures are usually correct. However, the
meaning sometimes changes slightly, or there may be no change at all.
Here’s a list of common verbs that can be followed by both "to" and "-ing":

Verbs That Can Be Followed by Both to and -ing:

Begin -

She began to cry.

She began crying.

Continue -

They continued to work.

They continued working.

Hate -

He hates to wait.
He hates waiting.

Like -

I like to read before bed.

I like reading before bed.

Love -

She loves to travel.

She loves traveling.
Prefer -

I prefer to walk.
I prefer walking.

Start -

He started to run.
He started running.

Exceptions: In some cases, though, the meaning can differ slightly:

I like to swim (suggests you do it for a specific purpose or habitually).

I like swimming (emphasizes enjoying the activity itself).