View source for Infinitive

An '''infinitive''' is a form of a [[verb]] that does not completely specify [[person (grammar)|person]], [[number (grammar)|number]], [[tense]], [[mood (grammar)|mood]], [[aspect (grammar)|aspect]], and [[voice (grammar)|voice]].<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/infinitive Infinitive]</ref>  That is, an infinitive cannot function as a [[finite verb]], that is, as the main verb in a [[sentence]].  Instead, the infinitive can function as a verbal [[noun]] or can be combined with one or more [[auxiliary verb]]s to form a compound finite verb.

Infinitive verbs are often identified in the [[English language]] by a preceding "to" before the [[base form]] (i.e., to go, to work, to edit); this is known as a full infinitive.  An infinitive with any words between the "to" and the base form (e.g., "to boldly go") is called a '''split infinitive.'''  While many people believe that split infinitives are ungrammatical, some authorities disagree.<ref>[http://oxforddictionaries.com/page/grammartipsplitinfinitive Split Infinitives], from Oxford Dictionaries Online</ref>
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[[Category:Grammar]]