How to Pronounce "infinitive"
word
ˌɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv
in-FIN-i-tiv
ɪnfˈɪnɪtˌɪv
in-FIN-i-tiv
Definition
The infinitive is the basic form of a verb, usually seen as 'to' plus the verb (e.g., 'to eat', 'to go'). In English, it's used in many grammar structures, often to express actions in a general way.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˌɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv
British English
ɪnfˈɪnɪtˌɪv
Simplified Pronunciation
US
in-FIN-i-tiv
UK
in-FIN-i-tiv
Listen in Context
The infinitive form of 'read' is 'to read'.
You need the infinitive after 'want' in English.
To swim is the infinitive form of 'swim'.
Sometimes, the infinitive doesn’t use 'to', like after modal verbs.