Tenses with Infinitive

[hmp_khauff]

First Topic to discuss:

Here I go with my question:

In what sentences do I use the pattern (tenses + to verb)?
Ex: I read to learn English on a daily basis. (Present Simple + To Infinitive verb).
Ex. I have worked to discover the gold jewel. (Present Perfect + To Infinitive verb)

English has three main tenses (Present, Past and Future Simple) and each of tenses are derived three more that equivalent twelve tenses in total. So, What others tenses are used following to verb?


Thanks in advance.

 

[5jj]

Re: Tenses with infinitive verbs.

Please restrict yourself to one topic in each thread.Threads can become very confusing if different people answer different parts of muti-topic threads. I have removed one of your topics and will open a new thread with it. It is here: https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/163505-infinitive-tenses.html#post844072

I am also moving this thread to a more appropriate sub-forum.

 

[cereal_chick]

I don't quite understand your question. But I'll answer it as best as I can.

You can use a conjugated verb + infinitive in all tenses and aspects.

NB: There are only three tenses (Past, Present and Future).
The "twelve" tenses you're referring to are the aspects of those tenses. However you can be forgiven for thinking they are tenses.

[Not a teacher]

 

[bhaisahab]

I don't quite understand your question. But I'll answer it as best as I can.

You can use a conjugated verb + infinitive in all tenses and aspects.

NB: There are only three tenses (Past, Present and Future).
The "twelve" tenses you're referring to are the aspects of those tenses. However you can be forgiven for thinking they are tenses.

[Not a teacher]

There are two tenses in English IMO, present and past. There is no future "tense" in English.

 

[5jj]

Most grammarians consider that English has only two tenses - the unmarked tense, usually known as "the Present (Simple)" , and the marked tense, usually known as "the Past Simple".

'Will + infinitive' is one of many ways in English of referring to the future.

ps. bhaisahab has beaten me to it again!

 

[cereal_chick]

There are two tenses in English IMO, present and past. There is no future "tense" in English.

You're arguing there is no future tense purely on the fact there is no verb inflection to express it? How can there be no future tense?

 

[5jj]

You're arguing there is no future tense purely on the fact there is no verb inflection to express it? How can there be no future tense?

Why should there be one? English is not alone in having no future tense. Some languages have no verb tense at all.

The important thing is that we can refer to the future if we wish.

 

[hmp_khauff]

and in What differs in the meaning?

Both in same tense, but one with normal tense and the second with the infinitive.

I have learned English for three months.
I have learned to speak English for three months.

 

[bhaisahab]

and in What differs in the meaning?

Both in same tense, but one with normal tense and the second with the infinitive.

I have learned English for three months.
I have learned to speak English for three months.

They are both incorrect.

 

[konungursvia]

The infinitive part does not depend on tense; here, it shows purpose or intention, whatever the preceding verb.