Infinitive

- The English infinitive has two forms: the "to-"infinitive and the zero infinitive.

Using the infinitive:

To express intention or purpose.	She went to ask your uncle for money. The maid is here to clean the house.
As the subject of the sentence (only the to-infinitive).	To be or not to be, that is the question. To learn — that is the goal of education.
To describe how something will be used (only the to-infinitive).	Do you want something to eat? They have instruments to play.
After ‘make’, ‘let’, and ‘had better’ (only the zero infinitive).	They had better find a new home. Let me make you dinner. Make Jay apologize to you! Have him walk Julie home, it’s late.
In sentences with ‘too much’ and ‘enough’ (only the zero infinitive).	There is too much snow to drive. I don’t have enough money to buy it.
In a question that asks why to offer a suggestion (only the zero infinitive).	Why turn around now? Why wait until tomorrow?
As a judgment (only the to-infinitive).	That was a weird thing to say. This is a great place to eat!
After "get" (only the "to-"infinitive).	We need to get a contractor to patch the wall.

- Rules for making the infinitive:

• The to-infinitive: to + verb base
• The zero-infinitive: only the verb base

Ex	Jim should play guitar more often; it was lovely!
	Mom made me go to my room.
	I want a large glass to drink milk.
	Why not stay here this weekend?
	What a nice thing to say!
	I went to the store to buy food.

- A negative infinitive requires ‘not’ before the infinitive.

Ex	I decided not to attend the concert.
	She would rather not cook tonight.