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What is the historical development of infinitives in the English language, and how have they evolved over time?

Sheena Kembery

Hey there! Great question! In this post, we'll take a trip through time and explore how infinitives in the English language have evolved over the years.

So, let's start at the beginning. In Old English, infinitives were primarily used to express purpose or intention. For example, "ic wille wesan" meant "I intend to be."

As English evolved over time, infinitives started to take on new roles. During the Middle English period, infinitives became more flexible and could function as subjects, direct objects, and even as a kind of verbal adjective.

But it wasn't until the Early Modern English period (think Shakespeare's time) that infinitives really started to take off. They became extremely popular as a way to express commands or requests. For example, "to be or not to be" is an infinitive phrase that conveys a powerful message.

Jumping ahead to modern times, infinitives have continued to evolve in interesting ways. One of the most notable changes has been the addition of the particle "to." In Old English, infinitives didn't require the "to" particle, but by Middle English, it had become common to use "to" before the infinitive. Today, this has become a standard part of English grammar.

Another interesting development in modern English is the use of split infinitives. This is where a word or phrase is inserted between "to" and the infinitive (for example, "to boldly go"). Some people frown upon split infinitives, saying they are ungrammatical, but they are widely used in both spoken and written English.

In conclusion, it's clear that infinitives have come a long way since their early days in Old English. They've taken on new roles, gained new particles, and even been split apart. But one thing remains the same: they're an essential part of the English language. So the next time you use an infinitive, take a moment to think about its long and fascinating history.