Formsinfinitives

Formsinfinitives refers to the different non-finite forms used to express the infinitive across languages. The infinitive itself is a non-finite verb form that commonly functions as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb, and it does not carry subject agreement or finite tense. It provides a base form from which other verbal forms are derived.

English illustrates several standard infinitive forms. The bare infinitive uses the verb stem without a marker (go). The to-infinitive adds to (to go). The perfect infinitive (to have gone) and the perfect continuous infinitive (to have been going) express aspect. The split infinitive, as in to boldly go, is a stylistic choice in many styles. Infinitives can function as a subject (To err is human), as an object (I want to leave), or as a complement (Her goal is to win).

Across languages, infinitives appear with different markings. Some languages use a bare stem with no infinitive marker, while others mark infinitives with endings (Spanish -ar/-er/-ir; Italian -are/-ere/-ire; German often with -en). Some require markers like zu or to to introduce infinitival clauses, and infinitives may occur in purpose, result, or control constructions.

Infinitival clauses interact with tense, aspect, and mood through auxiliary elements; some languages have a dedicated infinitive mood distinct from finite verbs. The distinction between infinitives and participles is central to non-finite verb systems, and infinitive clauses are a common tool in syntax to express purpose, intention, or obligation.

Formative study of infinitives and their forms remains a core topic in linguistics, grammars, and language teaching, informing analyses of syntax, morphology, and semantics.