What they are:
* Base Form: They represent the most basic form of the verb, without any conjugation (changes for tense, person, etc.).
* Preceded by "to": Typically, infinitives appear with "to" before them. For example, "to run," "to sing," "to eat."
* Function as Nouns, Adjectives, or Adverbs: While they are verbs at their core, infinitives can act as other parts of speech within a sentence.
Examples:
* Noun: I love to dance. (The infinitive "to dance" is the object of the verb "love").
* Adjective: This is the best place to eat. (The infinitive "to eat" modifies the noun "place").
* Adverb: I came here to learn. (The infinitive "to learn" tells us the purpose of the action).
Important Notes:
* Bare Infinitives: In some cases, infinitives can appear without "to." This usually happens after certain verbs like "let," "make," and "help." For example, "I let him go."
* Gerunds: Don't confuse infinitives with gerunds. Gerunds also end in "-ing" but function as nouns. For example, "Swimming is my favorite activity."
Let me know if you'd like more examples or have any other questions about infinitives!