Hi there
Can anyone explain the types of infinitive, namely simple infinitive; perfect infinitive; perfect continuous infinitive; continuous infinitive?
and when to use? I am really confused with this.
Regards
Chinna
types of infinitive
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In English, the infinitive is best thought of as the verb with 'to' preceding it. Infinitives serve as the base for conjugation and mirror the structure of their respective tenses. This is best illustrated with an example:
Simple Infinitive:
to + verb
to think
to manage
Perfect Infinitive:
to + have + past participle
to have thought
to have managed
Continuous Infinitive:
to + be + present participle
to be thinking
to be managing
Perfect Continuous Infinitive:
to + have + been + present participle
to have been thinking
to have been managing
There is also a passive infinitive, when the subject serves as the direct object
to + be + past participle
to be thought [of]
to be managed
Passive Perfect Infinitive:
to + have + been + past participle
to have been thought [of]
to have been managed
Ben
Simple Infinitive:
to + verb
to think
to manage
Perfect Infinitive:
to + have + past participle
to have thought
to have managed
Continuous Infinitive:
to + be + present participle
to be thinking
to be managing
Perfect Continuous Infinitive:
to + have + been + present participle
to have been thinking
to have been managing
There is also a passive infinitive, when the subject serves as the direct object
to + be + past participle
to be thought [of]
to be managed
Passive Perfect Infinitive:
to + have + been + past participle
to have been thought [of]
to have been managed
Ben
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Thanks. Are they, complex infinitives, used only in passive forms of sentences that have subordinate clauses with sub conjunction that?
Ex: It is said that he went to the ceremony.
He is said to have gone to the ceremony.
Regards
Chinna
Ex: It is said that he went to the ceremony.
He is said to have gone to the ceremony.
Regards
Chinna
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The primary distinction is that the PRESENT infinitives serve to express CONTEMPORANEOUS action, while the PERFECT infinitives serve to express PRIOR action.Chinn_asama wrote:Thanks. Are they, complex infinitives, used only in passive forms of sentences that have subordinate clauses with sub conjunction that?
Ex: It is said that he went to the ceremony.
He is said to have gone to the ceremony.
Regards
Chinna
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Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
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