bareinfinitiiv

Bareinfinitiiv, or bare infinitive, is the form of a verb used without the particle to. In English grammar, it is the base form of the verb used after certain verbs and in specific constructions. While the standard infinitive in English is formed with to (to go, to see), the bare infinitive omits to (go, see). It is commonly used after modal auxiliary verbs such as can, may, must, will: I can swim, you must listen. It also occurs after certain causative or perceptual verbs, like let, make, have, hear, see: Let him go; They made him apologize; I heard her sing, I saw him leave. The bare infinitive also follows would rather and other fixed expressions: I would rather stay; He would rather not go.

The bare infinitive contrasts with the to-infinitive, which is used in most subordinate clauses and with many verbs: I want to travel; She hopes to arrive early. In modern English, the choice between bare and to-infinitive can affect emphasis and meaning, and some verbs allow both with slight nuance (help: I helped him (to) finish the work). The concept is also discussed in grammars as the zero infinitive or infinitive without to.