infinitives

When infinitives are used, may they be used with the past tense, or the past partidiple as well as the simple present?

Hello Gjo

Yes; so these are all fine:

1. I want to go to Japan.
2. I wanted to go to Japan, but the flight was too expensive.
3. I have wanted to go to Japan all my life; but I've never had enough money.

Is that what you wanted to know?

MrP

Thanks for your attempt. But, no, you didn't address the question. In each of your examples, you used a present tense with the infinitive. I want to know if any tense following the "to" may be used.:-| :-|

I guess I got your point. There are also other infinitives that can be used - active and passive in meaning. So you could say:

I want TO GO home. (present active infinitive)
I helped her CROSS the street. (bare infinitive - active)
I think it's much better for you TO BE STAYING at home. (present continuous active infinitive)
She is known TO HAVE HAD three husbands. (past/perfect active infinitive)
You seem TO HAVE BEEN EATING all day. (past/perfect continuous active infinitive)

We don't want you TO BE OFFENDED. (passive infinitive)
I seem TO HAVE BEEN ACCUSED of the crime. (past/perfect passive infinitive)
Present continuous passive and past/perfect continuous passive infinitives are rarely used.

Cheers.

Thanks so much engee 30. You addressed my question and explained it well!gjo123