Bare or Direct Infinitive

Bare or Direct Infinitive : In certain cases the infinitive without 'to' is used. They may called as infinitive without 'to' or Direct Infinitive. Direct Infinitive is used after:

A) 'Need' and 'Dare' in the negative and interrogative sentences only when they are used as auxiliaries. For example a(i) You need to work hard. (affirmative)

(ii) You do not need to work hard. (negative - ordinary)

(iii) He need not work hard. (negative - auxiliary)

(iv) Do you need to work there now? (Interrogative as ordinary)

(v) Need he work there now? (Interrogative as auxiliary)

NOTE : 's' is not used with dare/need as auxiliary verbs.

B) 'Direct Infinitive' is used after the verbs : 'let, bid, make, know, help, feel, hear, watch, see'. "Direct Infinitive' is used only when these verbs are used in active voice (not in passive voice except the verb 'let'.) The verb 'let' is followed by direct infinitive both in active & passive voice. For example(i) I made the student write an essay. (active voice)

(ii) The student was made to write an essay. (passive voice)

(iii) The teacher let him go out. (active voice)

(iv) He was let go out by the teacher. (passive voice)

C) The following phrases are also used with Direct Infinitive 'had better, had rather, would rather, would better, as soon, sooner than (prefer)', For exanple(i) I would/had better leave your house at once.

(ii) She would/had rather stay than leave now.

(iii) They had sooner stay than leave.

(iv) I would as soon stay at home as go. (with equal willingness)

D) Direct Infinitive is used with, 'but, than, and, except, as, or'. For example(i) He did nothing but cry. (correct)(ii) She did no more than sleep the whole day. (correct)(iii) She had nothing to eat except to drink water. ( We need to remove "to", it will be She had nothing to eat except drink water )(iv) Do you wish to watch TV or to go to bed early. ( We need to remove "to", it will be Do you wish to watch TV or go to bed early )

E) Direct infinitive is used with phrases usually a suggestion or question, 'Why not & Why'. For example :

(i) Why not rest now? (Suggestion)

(ii) Why not stay here? (Suggestion)

(iii) Why stay here? (Question)

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

Fill in the blank with appropriate infinitive . 1. I didn't __________ him go . 2. He ____________ resign the fight with the boss .
A. 1. Notice to 2. Would sooner to		B. 1. Notice 2. Would to
C. 1. Notice 2. Would sooner		D. 1. Noticed 2. Sooner to
Right Option : C
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