Examples of gerunds and infinitives Grammar rules with examples

Bare infinitive (without to)

We usually use infinitives with to in the English language. I want to go. I told him to come. The infinitive without to (bare infinitive) is used as follows.

1. After modal verbs - can, may, must, needn't, dare ...

I can bring it. He may take it. You must buy it. We needn't open it. He dared not tell me. 

The verbs dare and need can also be followed by the infinitive with to. In such sentences we use do to make questions and negatives.

I dared not call you. x I didn't dare to call you. These two sentences have the same meaning, only the form is different.

You needn't listen to him. (You don't have to listen to him.) x You don't need to listen to him. (There is no need to listen.) These two sentences are different in the form and meaning, too.

2. After the verbs of senses - feel, hear, see, watch.

We saw you swim. I heard her sing.

It is more common, however, to use -ing form in English after the verbs of senses.

We saw you swimming. I heard her singing.

But: In the passive voice the infinitive with to must be used after these verbs.

She was seen to cry.

3. After some more expressions - let, make, would rather, had better, help.

Don't let him go. She made me drive. I'd rather finish it. You'd better start. I helped them carry it.

The verb help can also be followed by the infinitiv with to.

I helped them to carry it.

But the passive voice is followed by the infinitive with to.

I was made to drive. He was let to go.