subject + modal + base verbAfter a modal verb, the next verb has no to and no ending change.
Bare Infinitive
A2Use the base verb without to after modal verbs, make, let, had better, and some perception verbs like see or hear.
What you'll learn
- Use a base verb after can, must, should, and other modals.
- Use a base verb after make or let + object.
- Use a base verb after had better.
- Use a base verb after see, hear, or feel for a whole action.
- Recognize common bare-infinitive triggers in a sentence.
Structure
subject + make/let + object + base verbPut the person after make or let, then use the next verb without to.
subject + had better + base verbHad better is followed by the base verb, not to + verb.
subject + see/hear/feel + object + base verbUse this pattern for a whole action that the speaker saw, heard, or felt.
Build a sentence
Trigger
Verb
Mariacango
Maria can go now.
After can, use the base verb with no to.
When to use
Rules and ability
Use this pattern after modal verbs to talk about ability, advice, necessity, possibility, permission, and rules: can swim, must leave, should rest.
Force or allow
Use make + object + base verb for force, and let + object + base verb for permission: make Tom wait, let Anna leave early.
Strong advice
Use had better + base verb when the speaker sees one good action and a possible problem if it does not happen: You had better take a taxi.
Whole action
After see, hear, or feel + object, use the base verb when you mean the complete action: I saw Lisa cross the street.
Markers
canmustshouldmakelethad betterseehearfeel
Common mistakes
Wrong
Maria can to drive.
Correct
Maria can drive.
After can, use the base verb directly. Do not add to.
Wrong
He must goes now.
Correct
He must go now.
After a modal verb, the next verb stays in the base form.
Wrong
The coach made Tom to run again.
Correct
The coach made Tom run again.
After made + object, use the base verb without to.
Wrong
You had better to call Lisa.
Correct
You had better call Lisa.
Had better is followed by the base verb, not to + verb.
Wrong
I heard Maria to open the door.
Correct
I heard Maria open the door.
After hear + object, use the base verb for the whole action.
Common misconceptions
❝ Every English verb after another verb needs to. ❞
Some patterns take the bare infinitive: can go, let him stay, had better leave, hear her sing.
❝ After a modal, the next verb still changes for person or tense. ❞
After a modal, the next verb stays in the base form: she can work, he must go.
Skills in this rule (5)
USE_BASE_VERB_AFTER_MODALSw5Use the base verb after modal verbs
After can, must, should, may, might and similar modal verbs, use the next verb without to. The verb stays in its base form.
USE_BASE_VERB_AFTER_MAKE_LETw5Use the base verb after make and let
After make or let + object, the next verb comes without to. This pattern shows forcing or allowing someone to do something.
USE_BASE_VERB_AFTER_HAD_BETTERw4Use the base verb after had better
After had better, use the next verb without to. This pattern gives strong advice or a warning about the best action now.
USE_BASE_VERB_AFTER_SEE_HEAR_FEELw4Use the base verb after see, hear, and feel for a whole action
After see, hear, or feel + object, use the base verb without to when you mean the whole action from start to finish.
PICK_BARE_INFINITIVE_TRIGGERw3Recognize words and verbs that trigger the bare infinitive
Look for clear triggers such as modal verbs, make, let, had better, and some perception verbs. These cues tell you not to use to before the next verb.