Infinitive without particle “to”. (Bare Infinitive)

Rules

Examples

Bare infinitive is used:

1. after auxiliaries and modal verbs except ought, have, be, used

Do you know what time it is now?

You must come and see us one day.

You ought to have come earlier.

2. after the verbs denoting sense perception such as to hear, to see, to feel, to watch, to observe, to no­tice, etc. in the active voice.

I saw him enter the shop.

But: He was seen to enter the shop.

3. after the verbs to let, to make, to have (in the meaning to get), to know (in the meaning to see / to observe) in the active voice.

Don't let the children annoy you. She made me do this test again. I'll have an electrician repair it.

She made me do this exercise again. But: I was made to stand in the corner.

4. after modal expression had better, cannot but, would rather, nothing but, would sooner, cannot choose but; after “but”

I'd rather be told the truth. You’d better not make a mis­take next time. He couldn't but go there.

That child does nothing but watch TV.

2. in infinitive sentences beginning with why (not).

Why not cook fish tonight? You look tired. Why not take a holiday? Why stand up if you can sit down?

6. We use both bare infini­tive and to-infinitive forms after the verbs need, dare, do and help.

(Bare infinitive is prefer­able after positive forms and needn't.

To-infinitive after doesn't / don't need, dare not and help not.)

You needn't do this washing up. You don't need to clean the floor.

Does he dare (to) refuse you? All I did was (to) give him the information. Mother helped me (to) do my homework.

How can I help my children not to worry about their exams?

7. After an infinitive in the main clause, an infinitive without “to” is possible.

I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children