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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

Verb to be

In grammar class, when we refer to a root form of a verb, we always add a 'to' before the verb, such as:

The uses and forms of the verb to be.....
Using the verb 'to go' combined with particles.....
Verb to do....

Why? Can we just say:

The uses and forms of the verb 'be'.....
Using the verb 'go' combined with particles.....

Thanks in advance for reply.
  

Top answer

The form with "to" is, as I expect you know, called the "infinitive". In this context it gives a suitable sense of abstraction -- in other words, it gives the sense that we're talking about the verb as an "ideal", not about its specific use in a particular tense or with a particular subject or object.

— Mr Wordy

  • The form with "to" is, as I expect you know, called the "infinitive".
  • In this context it gives a suitable sense of abstraction -- in other words, it gives the sense that we're talking about the verb as an "ideal", not about its specific use in a particular tense or with a particular subject or object.
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2 Answers
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The form with "to" is, as I expect you know, called the "infinitive". In this context it gives a suitable sense of abstraction -- in other words, it gives the sense that we're talking about the verb as an "ideal", not about its specific use in a particular tense or with a particular subject or object.
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Hi, Mr. Wordy:

Thank you for your reply. It solved my problem.

Regards
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