Infinitives as Direct Objects:
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word "to," such as "to buy," "to eat," or "to visit." When an infinitive functions as a direct object, it acts as the receiver of the action in a sentence.
Placement:
In a sentence, the infinitive as a direct object typically follows a verb or a verb phrase.
Example:
| 🔊 | I want to buy a new phone. |
Verbs that take infinitives as direct objects:
Certain verbs are commonly followed by infinitives as direct objects. These include verbs like "want," "like," "love," "hate," "prefer," "need," and "plan," among others.
Example:
| 🔊 | She loves to dance. |
| 🔊 | He needs to finish his homework. |
Gerunds vs. Infinitives:
It's important to distinguish between gerunds and infinitives when they function as direct objects. While gerunds are formed by adding "-ing" to the base form of a verb, infinitives are formed by adding "to" before the base form of a verb.
Example:
| 🔊 | She enjoys dancing. | (gerund) |
| 🔊 | She enjoys to dance. | (incorrect usage) |
Omission of "to" after certain verbs:
Some verbs are followed by infinitives as direct objects without the preposition "to." These verbs include "make," "let," "help," "see," "hear," "watch," and "feel."
Example:
| 🔊 | They made him apologize. |
| 🔊 | Let me help you carry the bags. |
Use after adjectives:
Infinitives can also function as direct objects after certain adjectives.
Example:
| 🔊 | I am happy to see you. |
| 🔊 | She is excited to start her new job. |
Use with "too" and "enough":
Infinitives can be used after "too" and "enough" to indicate an excessive or sufficient degree of something.
Example:
| 🔊 | The package is too heavy to lift. |
| 🔊 | She is old enough to drive. |
Activity
1. Choose the correct option
where to buy concert tickets? (tell me / telling me / to tell me )
a brochure about the new product? (give me / giving me / to give me )
this item without a receipt? (return / to return / returning )
Italian food? (serving / serve / to serve )
any documents to apply for a store credit card? (bringing / bring / to bring )
2. Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the requested infinitive or gerund:
(read) books in my free time.
(find) a good restaurant?
(watch) movies rather than going to the theater.
(buy) some groceries for dinner tonight.
(pass) me the salt, please?
