What Is The Most Accurate Way To Distinguish Between The Pseudo-infinitive And Bare Infinitive Constructions In English, Particularly In Cases Where The Verb Phrase Is Modified By An Adverb, Such As In I Helped Him To Eat Quickly Versus I Helped Him Eat Quickly?

by ADMIN 263 views

The distinction between bare infinitives and to-infinitives in English can be determined by the presence or absence of the particle "to." Here's a clear breakdown:

  1. Bare Infinitive: This is the base form of the verb without "to." It is used after certain verbs such as "help," "let," "make," "see," "hear," and "watch." Example: "I helped him eat quickly."

  2. To-Infinitive: This construction includes "to" followed by the base form of the verb. It is used with a wider range of verbs and in different contexts. Example: "I helped him to eat quickly."

Key Points:

  • The presence of "to" identifies the to-infinitive, while its absence indicates a bare infinitive.
  • The choice between the two often depends on the main verb. Verbs like "help" typically take the bare infinitive, though "to" can sometimes be used in certain contexts with a slight shift in nuance.
  • Adverbs modify the verb in both constructions without altering the structural choice between "to" and the base form.

In summary, the primary distinguishing factor is the presence of "to" for the to-infinitive and its absence for the bare infinitive.