infinitivenoun [ C ]
uk/ɪnˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/us/ɪnˈfɪn.ə.t̬ɪv/specializedB1 the basic form of a verb that usually follows "to":
In the sentences "I had to go" and "I must go", "go" is an infinitive.
"Go" is the infinitive form.
More examples
- Most people start by learning the infinitive of a verb.
- 'To quickly decide' is an example of a split infinitive.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Linguistics: verb forms, tenses & types of verbs
- accusative
- arose
- art
- aspect
- began
- bent
- conjugate
- ditransitive
- historic present
- linking verb
- main verb
- passivize
- past participle
- predicate
- progressive
- the future perfect
- the pluperfect
- the present simple
- the third person
- wast
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