Infinitive particle to and modal verbs. Infinitive with the particle to and without the particle to When the particle to is not used

The infinitive is usually used with the particle to, which is its grammatical feature. However, the particle to is sometimes omitted, and the infinitive is used without it:

1. After auxiliary and modal verbs: can, could, must, may, might, will, shall, would, should (and their negative forms cannot= can’t, must not= mustn’t, etc.).

She can dance. - She can dance.
I must see you at once. - I need to meet with you now (immediately).
He might help me. - He could help me.

After need and dare if they are used as modal:
You don't need to go there. - You don't need to go there.
How dare you ask me? - How dare you ask me?

Exception: After ought (to) and have (to), be (to) as a modal infinitive is used with the particle to:
He ought to answer you. - He should answer you.
I had to send him money. - I should have sent him money.
We are to see her tonight. - We have to see her this evening.

2. After the expressions had better - it would be better (would), would rather - I prefer; better be:
You had (=You’d) better help her. - You'd better help her.
I would (=I’d) rather go by train. - I prefer to go by train.

3. In the objective infinitive phrase (complex object) after verbs:
a) expressing perception using the senses: to feel, to hear, to notice, to see, etc.:
I felt my pulse quicken. - I felt my pulse quicken.
She heard the clock strike eight. - She heard the clock strike eight.
I saw him jump. - I saw him jump.

But if these verbs are used in the passive voice, then the infinitive is used with to:
She was seen to go to the institute. - We saw how she went to college.

b) After the verbs: to make in the meaning - to force, force and to let - to allow, allow:
He made me help him. - He forced me to help him.
What makes you think so? -What makes you think that?
He let me take his book. - He allowed me to take his book.
We let him do it. - We allowed him to do this.

But if these verbs are used in the passive voice, then the infinitive is used with to:
She was made to repeat the story. - She was forced to repeat (her) story.

V) After the verb to help - to help the to particle can either be used or not – both options are acceptable. The option without to is more common in informal communication:
He helped me do the exercise. - He helped me do the exercise.
Could you help me (to) unload the car? - Could you help me unload the car?

Note 1: After why, with which the question begins. This is a rare type of one-part sentence, where of the two main members of the sentence (subject and predicate) there is only one - the predicate, represented by the infinitive.
Why not go there right away? - Why not go there now?
Why not take a holiday? - Why not take a vacation?
Why worry? - Why worry?

Note 2: If there are two infinitives in a sentence, united by the conjunction and or or, then the particle to is used only before the first infinitive:
I want to come and see your new house. - I want to come (and) see your new house.
She decided to go and buy something for supper. - She decided to go and buy something for dinner.

Note 3: At the end of a sentence, the particle to is sometimes used without an infinitive to avoid repeating the same verb in the same sentence, and also if the meaning of the infinitive is clear from the context:
He wants me to go there but I don’t want to (go). - He wants me to go there, but I don’t want (to go).
Why didn't you come? You promised to (come). - Why didn't you come? You promised (to come).
Come and see us. - I'd love to. (come, see) - Come visit us. - With pleasure. (I'll come in)

What does the particle to mean before verbs? Do you know the answer to this question?

Most people learning English don't even think about it. That's why they make mistakes by using this particle before each verb. When should it be used?

In this article I will answer this question and explain to you when you need to put to before verbs and when not.

What does the particle to mean and when is it used?

Particle to in English language we use it before the initial (indefinite) form of the verb. The initial form of a verb is a form that does not tell us who will perform the actions and when.

Infinitive verbs answer the question “what to do?” and “what to do?” For example:

(what to do?) to write - write;
(what to do?) to see - to see.

In English we call the infinitive form of a verb infinitive.

How do we understand that this is an infinitive?

In Russian, we understand that we have a verb in the indefinite form at the end TH: skaz t, rice t, call t. In English, the endings of words do not change.

And here it comes to our aid particle to, which serves precisely as an indicator, which in Russian is the ending TH. That is, if we see a particle to before a verb, we can safely say that this verb is in the indefinite form: to say, to paint to call.

If you look at the particle to and pronounce it, you will see that it is VERY similar to Russian TH, but only at the beginning of a sentence.

I want to call my sister.
I want (what to do?) call t to my sister.

I forgot to give him his book.
I forgot (what to do?) yes t him his book.

I will go to swim tomorrow.
I'll go (what to do?) swim t Tomorrow.

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When do we not put the particle to before infinitive verbs?

There are exceptions to every rule. Let's look at them:

1. When a verb is preceded in an indefinite form by a verb that expresses not an action, but a possibility, necessity, ability.

In English we call such verbs modal: can (can), may (I can), must (must), need(necessary), should(should). After them we do not use the particle to.

I can run fast.
I can run fast.

You must tell me the truth.
You must tell me the truth.

He should be more careful.
He should be more careful.

True, there are several modal verbs that must be used with the particle to: have to (need), oughtto(should).

They have to work hard.
They have to work hard.

She ought to help me.
She must help me.

2. After the verb let (give, let).

Let's me know how you are.
Let me know how you are.

Let's him say.
Let him speak.

3. After the verb make if we use it meaning "to force".

You make me think about it.
He made me think about it.

He makes me smile.
He makes me smile.

4. If in one sentence there are two verbs in the indefinite form and between them there is and or or (or), then we do not put the particle to before the second verb.

I want to sing and dance.
I want to sing and dance.

I don't know to cry or laugh.
I don't know whether to cry or laugh.

The difference between the particle to and the preposition to in English

It is very important not to confuse particle to With preposition to. Even though they sound and spell the same, they are actually two different words.

Particle to we use it with a verb in its initial form.

Preposition to we use with nouns. To this preposition we can ask the question “Where?” Let's look at a few examples.

Particle to

I like (what to do?) to read interesting books.
I like (what to do?) cheat t interesting books.

I want to meet my friends.
I want (what to do?) meet t with my friends.

Preposition to

I go (where?) to the cinema today.
I'll go (where?) V cinema today.

Every day I go to my work.
Every day I go (where?) on work.

Together now

I want (what to do?) to drink the water so I go (where?) to the kitchen.

I want (what to do?) bittern t water, so I went (where?) on kitchen.

When asking a question, we can easily determine whether it is a particle or a preposition.

Summarize

1. We put the particle to before verbs in the initial form (infinitive).

2. There are exceptions when we do not use a particle: after modal verbs (see above), after the verbs let and make, when in a sentence 2 verbs are connected by the preposition and/or (see above).

3. The particle to is used with verbs, and the preposition to is used with nouns. These are different words.

4. How to check whether the to particle should be used or not? To do this, we ask the question “what to do?”, “what to do?”. If these questions sound logical, then we put to before the verb.

Think about it.
(Do what?) Think about it.

I want to think about it.
I want to (do what?) think about it.

I hope now you won’t be confused about where you need to put the to particle and where you shouldn’t. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments below the article.

Reinforcement task

Now let's check how well you understand where the to particle should be placed and where not. Put the verb in brackets in correct form. Don't forget about exceptions.

For example: “She will go (play) tennis. - She will go to play tennis."

1. My sister can (run) fast.
2. (Look) at this picture.
3. I want (cook) dinner.
4. Let him (help) you.
5. My friend forgot (call) me.
6. She decided (sell) her car.
7. He made me (buy) it.
8. You may (sit down) here.
9. I can (bring) your book.
10. We like (eat) sweets.
11. They should (write) it.
12. She wanted (drink) and (eat).

As always, write your answers in the comments. I'll definitely check them out.

I am glad to welcome you, friends! When remembering all the rules learned at school during English lessons, what I heard dozens of times clearly becomes clear in my memory:

« The particle -to is not used after modal verbs, except for the following exceptions...».

After the word “exception,” the thread of memory is interrupted. I believe that a similar situation is observed among many school graduates, and in general, it will be useful for beginners to learn about this rule. Let's set things right by putting into place those words that are exceptions and those that are not.

The general rule is that a modal verb is always followed by an infinitive verb

It is well known that the grammatical feature of a verb in the infinitive is nothing more than a particle - to. A continuation of the above rule is a very important point that the verb is placed in the infinitive, but without the particle -to indicating the infinitive.

When a particle to not used

After the next series of modal verbs, the use of the infinitive indicator -to unacceptable:

Modal verbs combining with the particle to

As already mentioned, there are a few modal verbs that make an exception when used in combination with -to.

Using to with verbs need And dare

In addition to the first and second groups of verbs, there are several modal verbs in English, which in some cases require the use of a particle after them - to, in some its use ceases to be necessary, these include:

• Need
• Dare

-Need has not only one shape, but two - sufficient (or correct) and insufficient.

The insufficient form is used most often when indicating a one-time action. It is observed only in negative and interrogative types of sentences in the present tense and is used without -to to indicate the need for action

• Need are we going now? — Do we really need to go now?

But the sufficient form -need is used to indicate repeated actions in the meaning of “need”, “required”. It has the form of present and past tenses and can be used in all three types of sentences.

• Do you need to help them every day? — Do you need to help them every day?
• Do we need to go there every Sunday? — Should we go there every Sunday?

-Dare is semi-modal verb, due to the fact that it stands on the border between meaningful and modal

Modal - dare has the meaning “to have impudence/courage”, has forms of present and past tense, after it the infinitive is not used.

• How dare she tell him this thing? — How dare she say this to him?

The full-valued -dare has all the properties and characteristics of a regular verb, which is why it is followed, like a regular verb, by an infinitive verb with -to.

• John dares to lie to him. - John dares to lie to him.
• He didn't dare to lay a hand on her. — He didn't dare touch her.

Features of the modal verb used to

Another verb that should be mentioned in this article is -used to, always used with -to. Until now, its belonging to the category of modal words remains controversial; some linguists classify it as ordinary - full-meaning. However, I am inclined to believe that its essence is closer to modal.

Its main difference from other modal words is that it has one single tense form - past.

• John used to be so serious when we knew him. — John was so serious when we knew him.

The auxiliary verb -do can help in forming negations and questions with -used to.

• I didn't use to think of computer as a common thing when I was your age. — I didn't treat the computer as a completely ordinary thing when I was your age.
• Did she use to visit them? — Did she visit them?

It is possible to construct these types of sentences without -do, which is another feature of this word.

• I used not to worry about my clothes when I was 10 years old. — I didn't pay attention to my clothes when I was 10.
• Used do you play the piano? — Did you play the piano?

I hope you understand how to use -to after English modal verbs.

Video: Modal verbs in English

14.04.2010, 04:34

Examples with "to":

Examples without "to":

14.04.2010, 08:11

Who is good at English spelling here? I asked native speakers - they didn’t even understand the question. A Google search yielded only one result, where the poor fellow (on yahoo answers) was also not understood. I think there will be people on the forum and maybe they will explain or point out the spelling rule (if there is one).

Examples with "to":

1) It is hoped that this book will help you to expand as an individual...

2) This will serve as a good review, and will help you to remember what you have read.

Examples without "to":

1) Use Your Head is written to help you (?) do just that.

2) These include books which will help you (?) develop your general knowledge...

As far as I know, the particle "to" is usually placed before an infinitive verb. But why not in the last two examples? And there are many of these.
to (preposition) acts a function word such as to indicate
1) direction
2) recipient of an action

14.04.2010, 10:13

he made me do it
he had her do it
he let her do it

14.04.2010, 10:54

Who is good at English spelling here? I asked native speakers - they didn’t even understand the question. A Google search yielded only one result, where the poor fellow (on yahoo answers) was also not understood. I think there will be people on the forum and maybe they will explain or point out the spelling rule (if there is one).

Examples with "to":

1) It is hoped that this book will help you to expand as an individual...

2) This will serve as a good review, and will help you to remember what you have read.

Examples without "to":

1) Use Your Head is written to help you (?) do just that.

2) These include books which will help you (?) develop your general knowledge...

As far as I know, the particle "to" is usually placed before an infinitive verb. But why not in the last two examples? And there are many of these.

Take a look at grammer in use, not for beginners, but for a more advanced one - I remember similar questions were explained there from a practical point of view - “on which mare” is it better to approach them

14.04.2010, 11:23

Who is good at English spelling here? I asked native speakers - they didn’t even understand the question. A Google search yielded only one result, where the poor fellow (on yahoo answers) was also not understood. I think there will be people on the forum and maybe they will explain or point out the spelling rule (if there is one).

Examples with "to":

1) It is hoped that this book will help you to expand as an individual...

2) This will serve as a good review, and will help you to remember what you have read.

Examples without "to":

1) Use Your Head is written to help you (?) do just that.

2) These include books which will help you (?) develop your general knowledge...

As far as I know, the particle "to" is usually placed before an infinitive verb. But why not in the last two examples? And there are many of these.

IMHO, both the first two examples and the last could be written either with or without to, it’s just that the first option is for school purposes, and the second is used in everyday life.

14.04.2010, 11:55

IMHO, both the first two examples and the last could be written either with or without to, it’s just that the first option is for school purposes, and the second is used in everyday life.

14.04.2010, 11:59

take a look at grammer in use, not for beginners, but more advanced - I remember similar questions were explained there from a practical point of view - “on which mare” is it better to approach them

I haven’t found it anywhere, I get the feeling that this is a self-evident thing and everyone except me understands...

14.04.2010, 12:18

In grammar textbooks it is said that to after help is not necessary. You can put it You can not
Well, you know that not all verbs are preceded by to
he made me do it
he had her do it
he let her do it

14.04.2010, 12:24

I haven’t found it anywhere, I get the feeling that this is a self-evident thing and everyone except me understands...
For myself, I am guided by what is important for me to say, that is, if in the first examples “help” refers to the action “help do what?” - expand, remember.
In the last two examples, "help" refers to the persona "help who?" - you and then clarify what exactly to help with, the main thing is that you (me, her) I suspect that this is just my personal approach and it doesn’t have much in common with the rules, but it helps me :)

14.04.2010, 12:33

to (preposition) acts a function word such as to indicate
1) direction
2) recipient of an action
3) upper limit (to count to twenty)
3) and as a function word used in infinitives. It is time to go
last example you got should be written:

These include books which will help you with the development of your general knowledge.

The whole idea of ​​me opening an entire thread for this question came from the fact that the general rule concerning the use of this particular proposition doesn't seem to apply here, or applies with certain exceptions.

As to the example, I didn't make it up. The guy who wrote it is a well-known writer and I guess is familiar with English grammar;)

14.04.2010, 12:41

I suspect that this is just my personal approach and it doesn’t have much in common with the rules, but it helps me :)

Helps with what? Speak correctly or assume that you speak correctly?

Sometimes it makes me laugh when someone says something wrong, the British never correct them and often repeat what they know is wrong.

14.04.2010, 12:43

I’m just interested in which textbooks and where exactly this is said, or whether it’s called a rule or an exception.

I understand that “to” is not always placed before the infinitive, BUT, try replacing “help” with “assist” or another verb that has a suitable meaning - the absence of “to” will immediately hurt your ears. Accordingly, the problem is in the verb "help".

In your examples, the absence of "to" is obvious without any rules IMHO.
I wasn’t too lazy, they say the hunt is worse than the captivity: lol: I found my grammar in use - that’s what they say about this in the section verb+somebody+to I’m reprinting the part related specifically to the verb help:

Tom helped me carry the box
or

14.04.2010, 12:53

Helps with what? Speak correctly or assume that you speak correctly?
Yes, I’m probably taking the language too lightly, I’m just saying what I think is right. Previously, sometimes in the evening I would look at my textbooks to clarify something I wasn’t sure about, but now I’ve even stopped doing that. I'm sure there are mistakes, but that doesn't stop me from receiving compliments on my English:shy67:

14.04.2010, 12:55

I wasn’t too lazy, they say the hunt is worse than the captivity: lol: I found my grammar in use - that’s what they say about this in the section verb+somebody+to I’m reprinting the part related specifically to the verb help:
You can say help somebody do or help somebody to do
Tom helped me carry the box
or
Tom helped me to carry the box.

So will it be grammatically correct with or without the particle? Looks like it's not that simple...

Http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=118783

Http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=1098634

Http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=745066

14.04.2010, 13:01

I'm sure there are mistakes, but that doesn't stop me from receiving compliments on my English:shy67:

You must be a pretty girl/woman? Of course they will give you all sorts of compliments :)

14.04.2010, 14:14

So will it be grammatically correct with or without the particle? Looks like it's not that simple...

Http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=218353

It looks like the problem was just made up.

The syntax is..

That's all, actually.

14.04.2010, 14:43

It looks like the problem was just made up.

Here is an opinion from the thread you cited, consonant with mine previously voiced:

The syntax is..

To help someone do something..

It"s just the "to" is optional and can be ommited, and we both ommit it sometimes.

That's all, actually.

Here is another opinion from the same forum that is not entirely in tune with yours:

14.04.2010, 15:41

Here is another opinion from the same forum that is not entirely in tune with yours:

For whatever it"s worth, I agree it"s optional in the U.S., too. But I think we"d usually omit the "to" when actually making the request ("please help me do that"). But both ways sound fine when describing something already done: "She helped me do that", "She helped me to do that".

Edit: I was proofreading my post (I know, I should have done that first), and I realized that despite what I just said, there is a subtle difference in the way I would use the two forms. I would say "please help me do that" when asking for help with a task, and "please help me to do that" when asking for help in changing some personal trait or to do something that involves a sustained effort. Examples. "I need to carry these boxes downstairs. Please help me do that." "I need to lose some weight. Please help me to do that." I don"t know if this is just my personal usage or if it is more general.

Both options appear to be grammatically valid, but in practice there are certain rules for using one or the other. It’s interesting that many native speakers have difficulty answering a question that you consider to be just a fake question.

Difficulties in answering your question among native speakers may arise due to the fact that the use of both options in practice is taken for granted and taken for granted, so they simply may not understand what you want from them. But real difficulties arise when you start racking your brains and creating your own interpretations, as in the above fantasy. I don’t think that in practice the use of one form or another is preceded by such a scrupulous mental analysis. Everything is much simpler: it's just a matter of personal choice.

Of course, you have the right to disagree with this and continue to dig further. Good luck.

14.04.2010, 17:52

both options are valid and correct and are used everywhere. unlike other verbs, where only 1 option is correct, for example. he made me do it. So “certain rules for using this or that” simply do not exist.

14.04.2010, 21:17

I’m just interested in which textbooks and where exactly this is said, or whether it’s called a rule or an exception.

I understand that “to” is not always placed before the infinitive, BUT, try replacing “help” with “assist” or another verb that has a suitable meaning - the absence of “to” will immediately hurt your ears. Accordingly, the problem is in the verb "help".

In your examples, the absence of "to" is obvious without any rules IMHO.

The rules are that after these verbs tu is not placed
and after help there are 2 options
after esist it is always placed
there are lists of verbs that require inf with that or gerund
Gordon-Krylova's grammar there the subtleties of the infinitive and gerund are highlighted
You won’t find such a detailed analysis in advanced grammar textbooks even

And as someone already wrote on Rupoint, the best compliment is when they start criticizing you for your pronunciation.
:lol: How kind you are. Now I won't be upset:lol:

14.04.2010, 23:34

:lol: How kind you are. Now I won't be upset:lol:
Only I wasn’t talking about pleasure, but about when you can believe that you already speak English really well, when apart from the pronunciation of individual words there is nothing to complain about. Although, keep wearing rose-colored glasses and enjoy compliments on your grammatical mistakes. :hb15:
Yes, I'm kind, thank you! and also smart and beautiful! And I got used to compliments and admiration. :sweet:

14.04.2010, 23:38

Yes, I'm kind, thank you! and also smart and beautiful! And I got used to compliments and admiration. :sweet:

PS constant nitpicking towards oneself gives rise to complexes which, in turn, evoke compassion and sometimes words of support which, as you admit, now “pamper” you. But this is a personal choice.

You can't praise yourself... :lol:

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In English infinitive(Infinitive) is a word that denotes an action, but does not indicate a person or number. In Russian, the English infinitive corresponds to the infinitive form of the verb, which answers the questions “what to do? what to do?": to live - to live.

The formal sign of the infinitive is the particle to:

to write- write, to read- read, to drink- drink, to think- think.

If there is a particle before the verb to, then before you is an infinitive (or an indefinite form of a verb). Sometimes the infinitive can be used without a particle to.

The negative form is formed using a particle not, which comes before the infinitive: not to use - do not use.

It is difficult to use .- Difficult use.
It is difficult not to use .- Difficult do not use.

Infinitive forms

In English, the infinitive has 6 forms (unlike Russian, which has only one form). To understand well the meanings of the infinitive forms, you need to have an understanding of the verb.

Simple infinitive. Indefinite Infinitive

Infinitive in the form Indefinite (Simple) or simple infinitive is the basic form and represents the verb in the dictionary (for convenience, the particle in the dictionary to often omitted). This form of the infinitive is in the same tense as the verb that precedes it.

I was glad to see her. - I was glad to see her (simple infinitive in active voice).
The child didn't like to be washed. — The child did not like being washed (simple infinitive in the passive voice).

Compare the use of the simple infinitive in the active and passive voice: to help - to be helped
I am glad to help you. - I am glad to help. (I'm glad I'm helping).
I am glad to be helped. - I'm glad they're helping me.

Perfect infinitive. Perfect Infinitive

Infinitive in the form Perfect or perfect infinitive denotes an action that precedes the action of the predicate verb.

I was very glad to have met you. - I am very glad that I met you (perfect infinitive in the active voice).
Sorry not to have noticed you. - Sorry that I didn’t notice you (perfect infinitive in the active voice).
The child was happy to have been brought to the circus. — The child was happy that he was brought to the circus (perfect infinitive in the passive voice).

Compare the use of the Simple Infinitive and the Perfect Infinitive in the active voice: to see - to have seen
I am glad to see you. - Glad to see you. (Glad to see you.)
I am glad to have seen you. - Glad I saw you.

Long infinitive. Continuous Infinitive

Infinitive in the form Continuous or long infinitive emphasizes the duration of an action occurring simultaneously with the action of the predicate verb. This form is used only in the active voice.

He doesn't seem to be writing something. — It seems he is writing something now (long infinitive in the active voice).

Perfectly continuous infinitive. Perfect Continuous Infinitive

Infinitive in the form Perfect Continuous or perfect continuous infinitive emphasizes that the action began earlier than the action of the predicate verb, lasted for a period of time and is still lasting. This form is also not used in the passive voice.

He didn't seem to have been writing all day. “It seemed like he was writing all day.”

Infinitive forms in the table

Using the infinitive without the particle to

Most often the infinitive in English is used with the particle to, but there are cases when the particle to not used before an infinitive.

The infinitive is used without particle to in the following cases:

• After can, could, must, may, might, will, shall, should, would And need (in the modal sense). Exceptions are modal verbs have to, ought to, be to.

• IN complex addition after sensory verbs feel(feel), hear(hear), see(see), watch(observe), notice(notice):
  

  I saw him leave the office. — I saw him leave the office.
  I heard him go down the stairs. “I heard him come down the stairs.
  

  But: if the listed verbs feel, see, hear, watch, notice are used in the passive voice, then the particle precedes the infinitive to:
  

  He was seen to leave the office. — We saw him leave the office.
  

• In a complex object after verbs make(meaning “to force, compel”) And let(meaning “to allow, allow”). Again, if these verbs are in the passive voice, then the infinitive is used with the particle to.
  

  I can't make you take this medicine. “I can’t force you to take this medicine.”
  We let her go to the party. — We allowed her to go to the party.
  She was made to rewrite the test. — She was forced to rewrite the test (was made - passive verb).
  

• After the verb help(to help) the infinitive can also be used with a particle to, and without it. Both options are acceptable, with the option without to less formal.