Worksheet Bare Infinitive Practice

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A. Fill in the blanks with the bare infinitive from the box:

Instructions: Complete the following sentences using the bare infinitive form of the verbs provided in the box below. Ensure that each sentence makes grammatical sense and conveys a clear meaning. Remember, the bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without “to.” This exercise aims to test your understanding of how bare infinitives are used in different contexts.

Word Box:

  • arrive
  • belong
  • like
  • give
  • guess
  • have
  • catch
  • rain
  • reach
  • walk
  • crash
  • run
  • open
  • cut
  • work

Sentences:

  1. My little brother cannot ______ yet.
  2. I shall ______ your bouquet.
  3. The police must ______ the culprit.
  4. We didn’t expect him to ______ so early.
  5. I couldn’t ______ the door.
  6. This book doesn’t ______ to me.
  7. I ______ we are going to be late.
  8. Did you ______ a good time?
  9. I don’t ______ the way he talks to people.
  10. It might ______ later.
  11. The ambulance couldn’t ______ the accident scene in time.
  12. You shouldn’t ______ across the road.
  13. I saw the car ______ into the tree.
  14. Please ______ the grass.
  15. They have to ______ overtime to finish the project.

Understanding Bare Infinitives

Bare infinitives, which are the base forms of verbs without the particle “to,” play a crucial role in English grammar. Mastering their usage is essential for constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences. Bare infinitives typically appear after modal verbs such as can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. They also follow certain verbs like let, make, see, hear, and help in specific constructions. For example, in the sentence “You must arrive on time,” the bare infinitive “arrive” follows the modal verb “must.” Similarly, in “I saw him run,” “run” is the bare infinitive following the verb “see.”

Understanding these patterns is key to using bare infinitives correctly. Often, students might mistakenly use the full infinitive (to + verb) where a bare infinitive is required, or vice versa. This exercise is designed to provide ample practice in recognizing and applying the correct form in various contexts. Each sentence is crafted to highlight a different rule or common usage of the bare infinitive, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the concept.

By completing this section, you'll reinforce your understanding of how bare infinitives function within sentences. This will not only improve your grammatical accuracy but also enhance your overall writing and speaking skills in English. The ability to correctly use bare infinitives contributes to clearer and more effective communication, which is vital in both academic and professional settings.

Tips for Completing the Exercise

To successfully complete this exercise, consider the context of each sentence and the grammatical rules governing bare infinitives. Pay close attention to the auxiliary or modal verbs present, as these often indicate the need for a bare infinitive. For instance, after modal verbs like must, can, and should, the bare infinitive is the correct form.

Think about the meaning you want to convey in each sentence. The choice of verb should fit logically and grammatically within the given context. If you’re unsure, try reading the sentence aloud with each potential verb to see which sounds most natural and correct. Remember, the bare infinitive is the verb in its simplest form, without any additional endings or particles.

Take your time and carefully consider each option. This exercise is designed to help you learn and internalize the rules of bare infinitive usage, so accuracy is more important than speed. If you find yourself struggling with a particular sentence, try breaking it down into smaller parts and identifying the key elements that require a bare infinitive.

By following these tips and engaging thoughtfully with the exercise, you’ll not only complete it successfully but also deepen your understanding of bare infinitives. This will be a valuable asset in your ongoing journey to master English grammar and improve your communication skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with bare infinitives, there are several common mistakes that learners often make. One frequent error is using the full infinitive (to + verb) instead of the bare infinitive after modal verbs. For example, saying “I must to go” is incorrect; the correct form is “I must go.” Similarly, after verbs like let, make, see, and hear in certain constructions, the bare infinitive is required. A mistake here would be saying “I saw him to run” instead of the correct “I saw him run.”

Another common mistake is confusion with gerunds (verb + -ing) or present participles. While these forms have their own uses, they are not interchangeable with bare infinitives. For instance, in the sentence “I enjoy walking,” “walking” is a gerund, and it cannot be replaced with the bare infinitive “walk.”

To avoid these mistakes, it’s essential to understand the specific rules governing bare infinitive usage and to practice recognizing them in different contexts. Pay close attention to the verbs and auxiliary verbs that precede the infinitive, as these often provide clues about the correct form to use. Regular practice, such as completing exercises like this one, will help you internalize these rules and avoid common errors.

By being mindful of these potential pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, you can significantly improve your accuracy in using bare infinitives. This will enhance the clarity and correctness of your English, both in writing and speaking.

The Importance of Practice

Practice is the cornerstone of mastering any grammatical concept, and bare infinitives are no exception. Consistent practice reinforces your understanding of the rules and helps you to internalize them, making correct usage more automatic. The more you work with bare infinitives in different contexts, the more confident and proficient you will become.

This exercise is just one step in that process. It provides a structured opportunity to apply your knowledge and identify areas where you may need further review. However, to truly master bare infinitives, it’s important to seek out additional practice opportunities. This could include completing other grammar exercises, writing your own sentences using bare infinitives, or paying close attention to their usage in the texts you read and the conversations you have.

Consider keeping a grammar journal where you can record examples of bare infinitives that you encounter in your daily life. This will help you to see how the rules apply in real-world situations and will reinforce your learning. You might also find it helpful to work with a study partner or tutor who can provide feedback and answer any questions you may have.

Remember, learning a language is a journey, and practice is the key to making progress. By consistently working to improve your understanding and usage of bare infinitives, you’ll enhance your overall English proficiency and become a more effective communicator.