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.
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