Verb + bare infinitive (infinitive without ”to”)
When we have two verbs together in a sentence, the form of the second verb is influenced by the first verb.
This table shows which verbs require the second verb to take the form of the bare infinitive (infinitive without to).
| Verb + bare infinitive | |
We use the bare infinitive (an infinitive without to) after modal verbs: can, should, could, might, may, will, would, shall, must. |
He can't sing. It might be a good idea. Could you tell me? She will be here tomorrow. He must be crazy! Shall I wait here? |
We also see the bare infinitive after need and dare (when they are used as modal verbs), and after had better. |
I daren't do it. = I'm afraid to do it. Need I say more? = Do I have to say more? You had better hurry or you'll be late. = You should hurry. |
We use the bare infinitive after certain verbs followed by an object. These verbs include let, make, see, hear and feel. See more: Verb + object + bare infinitive |
My parents didn't let me watch TV at night. Did you see anyone enter the building? He made me laugh. |
Annie - January 6, 2016, 6:01 am
Hi It’s Annie .I just wanna to ask isn’t that bare infinitive is a verb that doesn’t have to add any tense inside…School exam tmr…Just wanna to figure out ?.Thanks a lot
Thuy - August 17, 2016, 3:07 am
Hey Annie, just a friendly reminder. Wanna = want to. So if you say wanna, please drop “to”. Or just simply say “want to”. Don’t say “wanna to” again and again in such a short comment. (Love)
Thuy - August 17, 2016, 3:29 am
Well, “infinitive” is the basic form of a verb that not conjugated for tense or person. “Bare” means without. So if you want to express the tense, just change the tense of the verb that goes before the bare infinitive. (With love)
Anonymous - August 20, 2018, 10:29 am
There should be another one on the above list , HELP. example: Could you help me move this heavy table ? He helped clear this rom for me.
Anonymous - August 20, 2018, 11:13 am
There is another verb beyond the above list of which the second verb requires merely bare infinitive. That very verb is …. HELP. Samples: John helped clear the room for me. Could you help carry this bag?
Please help me move this heavy table.
Brad
Danilo - June 23, 2020, 7:54 am
Your information is very good, but I think it is not enough for learning. So can you add more verbs in the list?
Anonymous - July 7, 2020, 9:56 am
i am still confusing in using ‘so that’ and ‘in order to’ in sentences. if anyone can share these. i would like to thanks in advance.
ganpat - November 8, 2022, 12:52 pm
what is reason of using bare infinitive after certain verbs like make,have,let?
why not full infinitive in these cases !
Anonymous - January 4, 2024, 3:46 am
I am also confused with this problem it would be better if you are explaining me by clear