infinitive

linguistics

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June 29, 2026

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In linguistics, an infinitive is a verb form that functions similarly to a noun but retains some verb characteristics. In English, it is typically formed with "to" preceding the base form of the verb, such as in "to go". However, with auxiliary and certain other verbs, the "to" is omitted, as in "no one saw her leave". The term "infinitive" itself comes from Latin, meaning "not specified," as this verb form does not indicate person or number. An infinitival is an adjective relating to the infinitive.123

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Celtic languages
Grammatical characteristics
…is its lack of the infinitive form of the verb found in most other Indo-European languages—e.g., English “to do,” “to call.” The equivalent is the verbal noun, which is a noun closely linked to the verb, though not necessarily derived from the same stem. Being a noun, it can have…
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…is its lack of the infinitive form of the verb found in most other Indo-European languages—e.g., English “to do,” “to call.” The equivalent is the verbal noun, which is a noun closely linked to the verb, though not necessarily derived from the same stem. Being a noun, it can have…
Read More