Bare Infinitive! What is the zero infinitive? Learn how to use the zero infinitive (bare infinitive) in English with useful grammar rules, video, example sentences and ESL picture.
Bare Infinitive
What is the Bare Infinitive?
The zero (bare) infinitive is a type of complement with an infinitive verb form that’s not preceded by the particle to. Also known as the bare infinitive.
Uses of the Bare Infinitive
After Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Will, shall, would, could, can (but not be able to), may, might, must (but not have to), should (but not ought to), and needn’t, (but not need to, which behaves like a normal verb).
Examples:
My sister could play the piano when she was five.
You must get up earlier in the morning.Â
I wonder if I might have some more soup.
After the Object after Certain Verbs, such as hear, see, make, let
Examples:
He saw her fall from the cliff.
 She made her kids tidy their beds.
Mary let me use her new laptop.
After Verbal Idioms would rather and had better
Examples:
I’d rather stay at home than go out tonight.
 It’s cold. The children had better wear their coats.
Used with Why
The question word why is followed by the zero infinitive when making suggestions.
Bare infinitive examples:
Why wait until tomorrow?
Why leave before the end of the match?
Why not buy a new car?
The Zero Infinitive | Images
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