In English grammar, a "bare infinitive" is the base form of a verb without the word "to." It's important to distinguish it from a "full infinitive," which includes "to" (e.g., "to go"). Here's a breakdown of bare infinitives:
Key Characteristics:
* Form:
* The base form of the verb (e.g., go, see, run, speak).
* Usage:
* Bare infinitives are primarily used after:
* Modal verbs: (can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must)
* Example: "They can swim."
* Certain verbs of perception: (see, hear, feel, watch)
* Example: "I saw him run."
* The verbs "let" and "make":
* Example: "Let me go."
* Example: "They made him apologize."
* After the auxiliary verb "do" in certain circumstances:
* Example: "I did go to the store."
* After certain phrases using "but" and "except":
* Example: "He did nothing but complain."
Examples:
* "We must leave now." (after modal verb)
* "She heard him sing." (after verb of perception)
* "Please let us know." (after the verb let)
Distinction from Full Infinitives:
* The key difference is the absence of "to." While full infinitives (e.g., "to eat") can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, bare infinitives primarily function as the main verb after specific preceding verbs.
Understanding when to use bare infinitives is crucial for accurate and natural English communication.
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