Infinitives

1. Infinitives Hidden & Split Infinitives

2. After verbs of perception, the infinitive is used without to. This is a hidden infinitive. • Verbs of perception are verbs such ashear, see, andfeel. • We heard the astronomer talk about the comet. • The crowd saw the moon appear red that night.

3. Hidden infinitives also appear after the verbs let, make, dare, need, & help. • We would not dare use Marshall’s telescope without his permission. • I will help feed the dogs. • Mary let us bathe them after feeding time.

4. The tois also left out after the prepositions but and except and the conjunction than. • Marshall does little but talk about the comet these days. • I’d rather conduct an experiment than read about science.

5. An adverb placed between to and the verb makes a split infinitive. • We were told to carefully view each star. • A split infinitive does not result in good writing. To avoid it, put the verb where it sounds right: • We were told to view each star carefully.

6. An adverb placed between to and the verb makes a split infinitive. • (Split Infinitive): Marshall told us to not damage his telescope. • (Corrected version): Marshall told us not to damage his telescope.

7. How would you correct this sentence? • Barry was asked to politely chew his food. • Barry was asked to chew his food politely. The adverb placement can change the meaning of the sentence. Be careful: • Barry was asked politelyto chew is food.