The concept of the bare infinitive is essential in mastering English grammar. This lesson covers what the bare infinitive is and its various uses. It also includes guidelines on using the zero infinitive effectively. Learn how to use the zero infinitive with helpful grammar rules, an informative video, example sentences, and an ESL picture. You’ll find valuable tips to enhance your understanding, all in a clear and concise format.
Bare Infinitive
Pin Zero Infinitive – Created by 7ESL 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
1. 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.
I wonder if I might have some more soup.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?
Bare Infinitive vs. Full Infinitive
Bare Infinitive Full Infinitive
Base form of the verb (play, eat )
“to” + base form (to play, to eat )
Used after modal verbs, perception verbs, “let,” “make”
Used after certain verbs, adjectives, and to show purpose
Example: She can dance.
Example: She wants to dance.
Pin The Zero Infinitive Rules – Created by 7ESL
Q1
Question 1: After a modal verb, which form of the main verb is correct? \'She must ___ the report before noon.\'
Question 1 options
Check answer
\'finish\' is correct because modal auxiliary verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) are always followed by the zero infinitive — the base form of the verb without \'to\'. \'to finish\' incorrectly adds the particle \'to\'. \'finished\' and \'finishing\' are the wrong verb forms.
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Q2
Question 2: In the sentence 'Why wait until the last minute?', the zero infinitive 'wait' is used to express which function?
Question 2 options
Check answer
The zero infinitive after 'why' is used to make a suggestion or rhetorical recommendation. It does not report someone's words, describe a completed action, or show ability. 'Why + zero infinitive' is a fixed pattern for suggestions.
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Q3
Question 3: A: 'It's getting really cold outside.' B: 'I know. The kids had better ___ their jackets before they go out.'
Question 3 options
Check answer
'wear' is correct because 'had better' is a verbal idiom that is always followed by the zero infinitive — the base form of the verb without 'to'. 'to wear', 'wearing', and 'worn' are all incorrect forms after 'had better'.
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Q4
Question 4: We could hear the neighbours ___ loudly through the thin apartment walls last night.
Question 4 options
Check answer
'argue' is correct because 'hear' is a perception verb that takes the zero infinitive (base form without 'to') after its object when describing a complete or general action. 'to argue' incorrectly adds 'to' after a perception verb. 'argued' and 'to have argued' are also grammatically incorrect in this structure.
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Q5
Question 5: Match each sentence to the correct grammar label.
Question 5 options
You must submit your application by Friday.
I heard him leave the building early this morning.
The director let the cast improvise the final scene.
We'd rather take the train than drive in this traffic.
Zero infinitive after a perception verb + object
Zero infinitive after causative 'let' + object
Zero infinitive after a modal auxiliary verb
Zero infinitive after the verbal idiom 'would rather'
Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Check answer
The zero infinitive is used in four main contexts: after modal auxiliary verbs, after perception verbs + object, after causative 'make'/'let' + object, and after the verbal idioms 'would rather' and 'had better'.
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