Bare Infinitive

The bare infinitive is the infinitive without "to" before the verb, e.g.:

• go
• take
• make
• say

Therefore, none of these verbs is the bare infinitive.

• leaves, left, leaving
• makes, made, making

Note: There are a couple of other terms used to refer to the infinitive without "to":

• base form of the verb
• root of the verb
• verb root
• dictionary form

The bare infinitive has a number of uses. The most common ones are:

 1. The subjunctive mood

• They demanded that he write it down.

2. The modal auxiliary

• She might be amazed.
• I should go now.

4. Verbs of perception

• For the rest of the day I watched cars go by.