Bare Infinitive

The Infinitive is used in some instances without the particle "to". These
are:

1. After the auxiliry and modal verbs: "shall", "will", "may", "can",
"must", "should", "would", "might", "could", "do".
Note: "to" is used in "ought to", "be to", "have to".
2. After some verbs expressing physical perceptions: "to see", "to hear",
"to feel", "to perceive", "to smell", "to taste" when forming "the com-
plex object".

I heard him repeat it several times.

If the verbs express mental perceptions, "to" is used before the infinitive.
I felt him to be an honest man.

Note: the particle "to" turns up in the "Complex Subject" with the verb in
the passive voice.

3. After the verbs: 'to watch", "to notice", 'to observe", "to let", "to
make", "to bid", and the expression "I won't have".

a) Let us examine all the facts.

b) I won't have you say such things.
Note: in the passive voice the particle "to" is remaining.
He was made to come.

4. After the verb "to know" in the meaning of "to experience", "to ob
serve".
Have you ever known me tell a lie?

5. After the verb "to help".,
Please, help me translate the text.

6. After the following expressions: "had better", "had best", "would
have", "would rather (… than),” “would sooner (… than)”, "cannot but
(can't but) ”, “does nothing but …”, “need scarcely (only, hardly)”.

a) I need scarcely tell you how important it is.

b) I cannot but be surprised at what you say.

7. In interrogative infinitive sentences beginning with "why", "why not".
Why not start earlier? •

The Particle "to" Repeated

When there are several infinitives with the same or similar function "to"
is put only before the first infinitive. But if emphasis or contrast is intended, "to"
is repeated before each infinitive..

a) It was better to die than to be defeated.
b) To be or not to be - that is the question (Shakespeare).

"To" as a verb substitute

In colloquial speech the particle "to" is often used without the infinitive, it
implies the verb already mentioned, which is clearly understood from the pre-
ceding context. This construction is used with verbs expressing actions.

a) He hadn't wanted to laugh then, nor did he want to now.

b) Well, let's forget it, shall we? - I'm glad to; thanks very much.

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