Mastering the Bare Infinitive: Unlocking One of English Grammar’s Hidden Essentials

August 05, 2025 Post a Comment

Introduction

English grammar is full of subtle rules that often go unnoticed by learners, yet mastering them can significantly improve fluency. One such concept is the bare infinitive—a powerful yet commonly misunderstood structure in the English language. While it may sound technical, understanding the bare infinitive can help you form more natural, native-like sentences. This article offers a complete, clear, and practical guide to understanding what the bare infinitive is, when to use it, and how it differs from the full infinitive.

What Is the Bare Infinitive?

In English, the bare infinitive is the base form of a verb without "to."
For example:

go (not to go)
eat (not to eat)
run (not to run)

The bare infinitive is used in specific grammatical situations, and unlike the full infinitive (e.g., to go, to eat), it stands alone without “to.”

Full Infinitive vs. Bare Infinitive: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clarify this distinction with an example:

Full infinitive: I want to go.
Bare infinitive: I must go.

In the first sentence, "to go" follows a verb that requires a full infinitive (want + to + verb).
In the second, "go" follows a modal verb (must), which always takes the bare infinitive.

When Do We Use the Bare Infinitive?

The bare infinitive is not randomly applied. There are specific grammar rules and structures where it is required:

1. After Modal Verbs

These include: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would.

She can speak French.
You must finish your homework.

✅ Rule: Never use “to” after modal verbs.

2. After Certain Verbs of Perception

These include: see, hear, feel, notice, watch (when followed by an object).

I saw him run across the field.
She heard the baby cry.

✅ Rule: If the action is complete or witnessed in full, use the bare infinitive.

3. After Let, Make, and Sometimes Help

They let me leave early.
The teacher made us stand in a line.
He helped me carry the boxes. (“Help” can also be followed by a full infinitive: “helped me to carry” is also correct.)

✅ Rule: After "let" and "make," use the bare infinitive. “Help” allows both.

4. In Coordinated Structures

If the verb appears twice and the first one already uses "to," the second often drops it.

I want to read and write more.
(Not: to read and to write — although that’s not grammatically incorrect, the bare infinitive makes it smoother.)

Why Is It Called “Bare”?

The word “bare” means without covering or addition. In grammar, the verb is “bare” because it’s not dressed with 'to’—it’s in its simplest form.

Think of it this way:

Full infinitive = “to dance” → dressed verb
Bare infinitive = “dance” → stripped-down, ready-to-go form

Common Errors with the Bare Infinitive

❌ Incorrect: He must to study tonight.

✅ Correct: He must study tonight.

❌ Incorrect: I heard her to sing in the shower.

✅ Correct: I heard her sing in the shower.

Remember, using “to” where it isn’t needed is a frequent mistake among learners.

Practice It Yourself

Complete the following using the bare infinitive:

You should _____ more water. (drink)
They made us _____ quietly. (sit)
I saw him _____ the ball. (kick)
She can _____ three languages. (speak)

Answers: drink, sit, kick, speak

Conclusion

The bare infinitive may seem like a small detail, but it's one that significantly shapes the accuracy and fluency of your English. By learning when and how to use it, you’ll avoid common mistakes and express yourself more naturally. Whether you're preparing for an exam or trying to speak more like a native, mastering the bare infinitive gives your English the polish it deserves.

SIRHARI