infinitives

[gjo123]

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

[MrPedantic]

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

[gjo123]

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.

[engee30]

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.

[gjo123]

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