Grammar, the backbone of language, can be a fascinating yet daunting aspect of communication. Among the numerous concepts that govern the rules of language, one particularly intriguing topic is the bare infinitive. But what exactly are bare infinitives, and how do they fit into the grand scheme of linguistic expression?
Defining The Bare Infinitive
A bare infinitive, also known as the zero infinitive or plain infinitive, is a verb form that appears without the particle “to.” This means that when a verb is in its bare infinitive form, it lacks the preposition “to” that typically precedes it. For example:
- I want go to the store. (Incorrect)
- I want to go to the store. (Correct, but not a bare infinitive)
- I helped him go to the store. (Correct, and a bare infinitive)
In the first example, the sentence is grammatically incorrect. In the second example, the verb “go” is in its infinitive form, but it’s not a bare infinitive because it’s accompanied by the particle “to.” The third example, however, demonstrates a bare infinitive, where the verb “go” appears without “to.”
When To Use Bare Infinitives
So, when do we use bare infinitives? The answer lies in understanding the context and the verbs that allow for this grammatical phenomenon.
Verbs That Allow Bare Infinitives
Certain verbs, known as “bare infinitive verbs,” permit the use of bare infinitives. These verbs typically express permission, obligation, or causation. Some common examples include:
- Let: This verb is often used to express permission or allowance. For example: “She let me drive her car.”
- Make: This verb typically implies causation or forcing someone to do something. For example: “He made me eat my vegetables.”
- Help: This verb can be used to express assistance or aid. For example: “She helped me carry the groceries.”
Other Contexts For Bare Infinitives
Bare infinitives can also appear in other contexts, such as:
- In imperative sentences: When giving commands or instructions, bare infinitives are often used. For example: ” Close the door behind you.”
- After certain adjectives: Certain adjectives, like “easy,” “hard,” or “difficult,” can be followed by bare infinitives. For example: “This puzzle is hard solve.”
- In certain idiomatic expressions: Bare infinitives can be used in fixed expressions or idioms, such as “I’m going to let it ride.”
Distinguishing Bare Infinitives From Other Verb Forms
It’s essential to understand the differences between bare infinitives and other verb forms to avoid grammatical errors.
Infinitives Vs. Gerunds
Infinitives and gerunds are two distinct verb forms that are often confused.
- Infinitives: As discussed earlier, infinitives are verbs that appear with or without the particle “to.” For example: “I want to go to the store.” (Infinitive with “to”) or “I helped him go to the store.” (Bare infinitive)
- Gerunds: Gerunds are verbs that end in “-ing” and function as nouns. For example: “Eating breakfast is my favorite morning routine.” (Gerund)
Bare Infinitives Vs. Participles
Bare infinitives should not be confused with participles, which are verb forms that end in “-ing” or “-ed” and function as adjectives.
- Bare infinitives: As discussed earlier, bare infinitives appear without the particle “to.” For example: “I helped him go to the store.”
- Participles: Participles describe the verb’s subject, such as “The running water is refreshing.” (Present participle) or “The written exam is on Friday.” (Past participle)
Common Mistakes And Exceptions
Even with a solid understanding of bare infinitives, mistakes can occur. Be aware of the following common errors and exceptions:
Mistakes With Bare Infinitive Verbs
- Using bare infinitives with verbs that don’t allow it, such as “I want him to go to the store.” (Incorrect) instead of “I helped him go to the store.” (Correct)
- Omitting the particle “to” with verbs that require it, such as “I want go to the store.” (Incorrect) instead of “I want to go to the store.” (Correct)
Exceptions To The Rule
- Verbs that take both bare infinitives and “to” infinitives: Some verbs, like “see” or “hear,” can be used with both bare infinitives and “to” infinitives, depending on the context. For example: “I saw him cross the street.” (Bare infinitive) or “I saw him try to cross the street.” (“To” infinitive)
- Idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs: Bare infinitives can appear in fixed expressions or idioms, which may not follow the typical grammatical rules. For example: “I’m going to let it ride.” (Idiomatic expression)
Conclusion
Mastering the bare infinitive is a crucial aspect of linguistic expression. By understanding when to use bare infinitives, distinguishing them from other verb forms, and being aware of common mistakes and exceptions, you’ll be well on your way to crafting grammatically sound sentences that convey your intended meaning. Remember, the key to unlocking the mysteries of bare infinitives lies in context and verb choice. With practice and patience, you’ll become proficient in using this unique verb form to enhance your communication.
What Is A Bare Infinitive?
A bare infinitive is a verb form that appears without the infinitive marker “to”. For example, in the sentence “I want you eat your dinner”, “eat” is a bare infinitive because it doesn’t have the word “to” before it. Bare infinitives are often used in directive or imperative constructions, where the speaker is giving an order or making a request.
It’s worth noting that bare infinitives are relatively rare in English, and are often limited to certain contexts or registers. In many cases, using a bare infinitive can sound informal or even ungrammatical, and it’s usually more common to use the full infinitive form (e.g. “I want you to eat your dinner”). However, bare infinitives can add a sense of directness or urgency to a sentence, and can be effective in certain types of writing or speech.
How Do Bare Infinitives Differ From Full Infinitives?
The main difference between a bare infinitive and a full infinitive is the presence or absence of the infinitive marker “to”. A full infinitive is a verb form that begins with the word “to”, followed by the base form of the verb. For example, “to eat” is a full infinitive. Bare infinitives, on the other hand, omit the word “to” and use the base form of the verb directly. For example, “eat” is a bare infinitive.
The choice between using a bare infinitive or a full infinitive often depends on the context and the desired level of formality. In general, full infinitives are more common and more widely accepted in formal writing and spoken language. Bare infinitives, on the other hand, are often used in more casual or colloquial contexts, and can add a sense of informality or friendliness to a sentence.
Are Bare Infinitives Grammatically Correct?
The grammatical correctness of bare infinitives is a matter of debate among linguists and language teachers. In some contexts, bare infinitives can be considered ungrammatical or non-standard, and may be marked as errors on a grammar test. However, in other contexts, bare infinitives are perfectly acceptable and even preferred.
It’s worth noting that bare infinitives are often used in spoken language, particularly in informal conversation or in certain dialects. In these contexts, bare infinitives can be a natural and effective way of communicating. However, in formal writing or in situations where clear, standard English is required, it’s usually safer to stick with full infinitives.
Where Do Bare Infinitives Come From?
Bare infinitives have a long history in the English language, and can be traced back to Old English and Middle English. In these early forms of the language, the infinitive marker “to” was not always used, and bare infinitives were more common.
Over time, the use of bare infinitives has evolved and changed, influenced by changes in language patterns and cultural norms. Today, bare infinitives are often associated with informal or colloquial language, and are less commonly used in formal writing or spoken language.
Can I Use Bare Infinitives In Formal Writing?
In general, it’s best to avoid using bare infinitives in formal writing, such as academic papers, business reports, or official documents. In these contexts, clear, standard English is usually required, and bare infinitives may be seen as ungrammatical or non-standard.
However, there may be certain situations where a bare infinitive can be effective in formal writing, such as in creative writing or marketing copy. In these cases, the use of a bare infinitive can add a sense of drama or urgency to the text, and can be a powerful tool for communicating emotions or ideas.
How Can I Use Bare Infinitives Effectively?
To use bare infinitives effectively, it’s important to understand the context and the desired level of formality. Bare infinitives can be most effective in informal writing or spoken language, where a more casual tone is acceptable.
In general, it’s best to use bare infinitives sparingly, and to reserve them for situations where a strong, direct tone is needed. Overusing bare infinitives can make your writing or speech sound clumsy or ungrammatical, so it’s important to use them judiciously and with care.
Are Bare Infinitives Common In Other Languages?
Bare infinitives are not unique to English, and can be found in other languages as well. In fact, many languages, such as Spanish, French, and Italian, use bare infinitives in certain contexts.
In some languages, bare infinitives are more common and widely accepted than in English. For example, in Spanish, bare infinitives are often used in imperative constructions, such as “¡Vamos a la playa!” (“Let’s go to the beach!”).
In other languages, bare infinitives may be less common or more formal, and may be used in specific contexts or registers. Understanding the use of bare infinitives in other languages can help English speakers better understand the nuances of their own language.