An advanced approach to verbs with unique usages with comprehensive explanation. In this article, you are going to learn how to use To+ V1+Ing and Direct or Bare infinitive with some rules and specific phrases.

We can use an action verb as a noun to replace a full infinitive (to + V1) and can use it easily. There are some examples to support this rule.

I will go for a drive tomorrow morning.

My father goes for a walk every day at 5 o’clock.

The doctor suggested my injured friends rest.

People go to clubs for a drink.

The teacher gave extra time for a test on English Grammar.

To + Gerund (V1+ING)

People think that we only use V1 with To but you will be surprised to know that it is incorrect because here we are going to learn wherein we can use V4 means present particle (V1 + ING like going, coming, etc.).

It happens in certain cases as shown here.

Accustomed to Used to, Habitual to, and addicted to these are used to show and when used as adjectives always prefer taking present participle (V1 + ING)

Examples

    1.    I am addicted to sleeping late at night.

    2.    They are used to talking in class a lot.

    3.    The students are never habitual in studying in class.

    4.    My father is accustomed to going to the office timely.

   With a view to + present participle (V1 + ING) is used to describe a purpose for something.

Examples

The students come to me with a view to learning English.

We earn money with a view to satisfying our basic needs in life.

Comes to + present participle (V1 + ING) when used to deliver a process.

Examples

When it comes to answering the questions, most people retreat.

When it came to living happily with Miss Dimpal, Mr. Batra sacrificed his life for the nation.

Look Forward to + Present Participle to hope for future action.

We look forward to meeting you in school soon.

They looked forward to learning about Germany last year.

Rule 3 Direct Infinitive

There are some concepts of English Grammar where we always use direct infinitives. These are also known as bare infinitive means without V1. Let’s learn their usage now with a detailed explanation.

Modal Auxiliaries:- Just after modal verbs we always use bare infinite but if you have no idea what model verbs are, you can learn it from a basic level step by step just by clicking on these blue words.

There are 13 modal auxiliary verbs are there in the English language, but only 11 fit according to this rule because 2 of them have To at the last Used to and Ought to hence these don’t fit the rule. I have highlighted them.

Can              Could

May             Might

Will             Would

Shall            Should

Must           Dare

Used to       Ought to

Need

Examples

    1.    You can enter this premises at any time without a problem.

    2.    They should not sleep late at night.

    3.    We must respect our parents and obey them.

    4.    I would read the newspaper daily in 2019.

    5.    India could win the cricket match with Pakistan easily.

    6.    The people of India need not fear from Coronavirus.

    7.    I may get late for the party.

    8.    Need I work here?

Some verbs are always followed by Bare Infinitive these are

Bid, let, help, make, fell, hear, watch, and see, etc.

Note: direct or bare infinitive is used with these verbs only when these are used in active voice (and not in passive voice except the verb let).

Examples

    1.    She never lets me feel alone.

    2.    My English teacher made us write an essay.

    3.    Neha helped me learn SEO-friendly content writing.

    4.    They heard Kailash Khair sing in their college.

    5.    I saw her leave me and go.

Use of Let

The government lets the students go and study in private and government institutions.

The students are let go and study by the government in private and government institutions.

Note: the use of the verb ‘let’ is followed by direct infinitives both in active and passive voice.  

Some phrases that always take direct infinitives are explained with examples.

(Had better, had rather, would rather, would better, as soon, no sooner than)

Examples

I had better apply the early to bed and early to rise principle to stay healthy.

Diwali had rather give us a chance to live amicably.

People would rather celebrate Chhat Puja at Ghat than at home.

She would better learn cooking.

I would as soon chat with you as talk over a call. (When have equal willingness)

No sooner than did I realize our relationship than I loved it.

Some other uses of direct infinite With (But, Than, And, Except, As, or)

Examples

She did nothing but talk to me.

I had nothing to do except love her unconditionally.

They study no more than play games on a laptop.

He can dance and sing together simultaneously.

Do you want to stay here or leave with your brother?

Use of ‘why’ or ‘why not’

‘Why’ is used to put a question for a reasonable answer while ‘why not’ is used to suggest something.

Why

Why tell you about my profile?

Why share my personal life with you?

Why let the people roam freely without marks?

Why hike the petrol prices?

Why prepare for U.P.S.E now?

Why not

For suggestion

Why not take the help of other classmates for this question?

Why not learn adverbs and types to write professionally?

Why not wake up early in the morning and have a walk?

Why not try our best to be always together?

Why not let the world see our capabilities for this task?