The use of the Infinitive without the particle «to»

(The Bare Infinitive)

In modern English the Infinitive is chiefly used with the particle to – the formal sign of the Infinitive. Still there are cases when the bare infinitive is used.

1. After auxiliary verbs:

I don't know her.

We shall go there at once.

2. After modal verbs:

You can't do it.

You must consult the doctor.

3. After the verbs of sense perception (to see, to hear, to feel, to watch, to notice, etc.) in the Infinitive Constructions:

I've never seen you look so well.

She heard him enter the room.

I felt my heart jump.

NB! After these verbs in the Passive the to-infinitive is used:

He was heard to mention your name.

The child was made to obey.

She was seen to leave the house early in the morning.

4. After the verb to let:

Let's be friends.

If he calls, let me know.

5. After the verbs to make (= to force – заставлять), need (нужно) and dare, (сметь, осмелиться) (in the modal meaning):

Need I do the washing up?

How dare you call me a liar?

What makes you think so?

6. After the expressions had better (... лучше бы), would rather/sooner (... бы, пожалуй), cannot but (не могу не...), etc.:

He said he would rather stay at home.

You had better go there at once.

I can't but think about it.

7. In the sentences beginning with why (not) (почему бы вам...).

Why not come and talk to her yourself?

Why pay more at other shops?

8. After formal words than, rather than, but, except:

I'll do anything but work with children.

Rather than walk for half an hour, I'll take a taxi.

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE INFINITIVE IN THE SENTENCE

The Infinitive can be used in different syntactic functions. We'll discuss here only the most difficult ones for the Russian speakers.

The Infinitive as a subject. In Russian it can be rendered by an infinitive, a noun, a clause.	To walk in the garden was very pleasant. Гулять в саду было очень приятно. Even to think of it gave him torture. Даже мысль об этом причиняла ему страдание. То be recognized gave her great joy. Когда ее узнавали, она испытывала большую радость.
Far more often such sentences open with an introductory subject it(not translated in Russian).	It is useless to discuss this question. Бесполезно обсуждать этот вопрос.
The Infinitive as an adverbial modifier of purpose (чтобы...). In this function the Infinitive can be introduced by in order or so as (formal).	То understand the rule better I read it several times. Чтобы лучше понять правило, я прочел его несколько раз. I stayed there to see what would happen. Я остался там, чтобы посмотреть, что произойдет. I invited him in order to tell him the news. I'll write down your telephone number so as not to forgetit.