Grammar. The infinitive

The most common uses of the infinitive are:

- To indicate the purpose or intention of an action (where the 'to' has the same meaning as 'in order to' or 'so as to'):

The three bears went into the forest to find firewood.

- As the subject of the sentence:

To know her is to love her.

- With nouns or pronouns, to indicate what something can be used for, or what is to be done with it:

Would you like something to drink?

I haven't anything to wear.

The children need a garden to play in.

- In these patterns:

It is unkind of her to say that.

This is the right thing to do.

There's too much sugar to put in this bowl.

This soup is too hot to eat.

He arrived too late to see the actors.

You're not old enough to have grand-children!

Negative forms

Negative infinitives are normally formed by putting ‘not’ before the infinitive.

I decided to invite them (affirmative)

I decided not to invite them (negative)

The infinitive is used without ‘to’:

- after the modal and auxiliary verbs will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might and must

We can manage it. (NOT We can to manage...)

I will say what I like.

We must get someone to paint the roof.

Can you help us?

- After certain verbs like hav, let, make and some others:

They made me wait.

Let him go.

Have your children find the toy.

Insert ‘to’ where necessary before the infinitives in brackets

He made me (do) it all over again.

She can (sing) quite well.

I want (see) the house where our president was born.

May I (use) your phone?

If you want (get) there before dark you should (start) at once.

I couldn't (remember) his address.

Please let me (know) your decision as soon as possible.

He made us (wait) for hours.

Could you (tell) me the time, please?

We must (send) him a telegram.

I let him (go) early as he wanted (meet) his wife.

Where would you like (have) lunch?

You can (leave) your dog with us if you don't (want) (take) it with you.

I'd like him (go) to a university but I can't (make) him (go).

Home assignment

Tell about your favourite family holiday.

Learn the grammar rule and do the tasks.

Lesson 29.30.

Discussion

1. Is it easy to arrange a party for children?

2. Why can a child’s birthday be a headache for parents?

3. Do you know any party games for children?

4. What games did you play when you were a child?

Translate the sentences

1. Not all party games are for children.

2. Games will give your guests a chance to win prizes.

3. Adults can enjoy party games as well as kids.

4. When planning a birthday party for preschoolers, organize a variety of outdoor games.

5. Girls of all ages love to dress up in different looks.

Play your favourite party game with your mates