Gerund or Infinitive Part 2

In part 1, we looked at when to use "to" and when to use "-ing" but there are some situations when we use the infinitive without "to" and that's what you can learn in part 2.

After make and let, we use the infinitive without "to". There is also an object between the two verbs. make/let + somebody + infinitive (no "to")
For example:
My mother makes me do my homework before I can watch TV.
The teacher lets me use a dictionary in class.

After help, we use the infinitive with or without "to".
For example:
I helped cook the dinner.
I helped to cook the dinner.
I helped my mother cook the dinner.
I helped my mother to cook the dinner.

After modal verbs, we also use the infinitive with "to". These verbs are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will and would.
For example: 
I might go to London at the weekend.
I can play the piano but I can't read music.

Some books list have to and ought to as modal verbs but others do not. I would say they are not true modals. With these, of course, you do need "to".
For example:
I have to finish my homework before Friday.

​Click here for part 3!

​I have also written an e-book which covers this topic in more detail and contains practice exercises. Click the button to get it.

Gerund or Infinitive e-book

Or click this button to get a free verb list.

FREE gerund or infinitive verb list