Bare Infinitive Examples After Modals, Let, Make and Help

A bare infinitive is the base form of a verb used without to, as in swim, run, and call. These 313 bare infinitive examples are written for modal verbs, let, make, have, help, verbs of perception, fixed expressions, negatives, questions, and everyday contexts. You get model sentences for speaking, writing, and exam practice, together with related practice on infinitives, infinitive phrases, and verb phrases.

Quick Answer: Bare Infinitive Examples

• After a modal verb: Our neighbour will repair the fence on Saturday.
• After let: The coach let the juniors choose the warm-up music.
• After make: The cold wind made the hikers turn back.
• After have: She had the technician check the printer.
• After help: Ravi helped his cousin lift the old piano.
• After a perception verb: We watched the swans glide across the pond.
• After had better: You had better water the plants before noon.
• After would rather: Omar would rather read than watch television.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Everyday Use

The base form of a verb follows modal verbs, let, make, help, and perception verbs, as in “swim”, “sing”, and “arrive”.

1. She can swim across the lake in ten minutes.
2. The coach made the team run in the rain.
3. We watched the sun set behind the hills.
4. Mum let me stay up for the film.
5. You had better pack tonight, because the taxi comes at dawn.
6. I did not recognise him at first.
7. They heard the choir sing in the old chapel.
8. Would you rather walk or take the bus?
9. He should call his grandmother this evening.
10. The manager had the assistant print the contract.
11. Why not visit the market on Saturday?
12. Nadia helped her brother carry the boxes.
13. Rather than paint the wall, Leo hung a poster.
14. Tom will arrive at the station at six.
15. Do you know the answer to question four?
16. We felt the ground shake during the test.
17. She must finish the report by Friday.
18. The nurse made the patient rest after lunch.
19. Nina saw a heron land on the roof.
20. Dad lets us choose the film on Fridays.

Modal Verb Sentences with Bare Infinitives

After a modal verb, the next word is a base verb with no to, as in “book”, “drink”, and “park”.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Can and Could

Both “can” and “could” are followed by a base verb, as in “speak”, “fly”, and “swim”.

1. Lena can speak four languages fluently.
2. Can you hear the music from here?
3. My grandfather could run a mile before breakfast.
4. Tara could see the island from her window.
5. Our parrot can fly across the whole garden.
6. They can start the lesson without us.
7. Could you open the window, please?
8. Mina could not find her keys anywhere.
9. Penguins can swim very fast underwater.
10. We can meet at the station at noon.
11. Our dog can open the garden gate.
12. Anyone can learn this dance with patience.

Bare Infinitive Examples After May and Might

The verb after “may” and “might” stays in its base form, as in “leave”, “join”, and “surprise”.

1. You may leave the table after dessert.
2. It might rain on Saturday afternoon.
3. May I borrow your pen for a minute?
4. She may join us later this evening.
5. He might forget the tickets again.
6. Visitors may park behind the museum.
7. The final result might surprise you completely.
8. We may need more chairs for the party.
9. Students may use a dictionary in the exam.
10. It may snow in the mountains tonight.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Will and Would

Following “will” and “would”, the main verb is in base form, as in “call”, “help”, and “open”.

1. I will call you tomorrow morning.
2. She would walk to school every day as a child.
3. Will they come to the wedding?
4. The train will leave at nine.
5. He said he would help us move.
6. Would you pass the salt, please?
7. We will win if we stay calm.
8. My uncle would tell stories by the fire.
9. The shop will open next week.
10. They would sing together every evening.
11. Will you marry me next summer, Aisha?
12. It will take about an hour.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Shall and Should

For suggestions and advice, “shall” and “should” are followed by a base verb, as in “dance”, “see”, and “read”.

1. Shall we dance before the music stops?
2. You should drink more water on hot days.
3. I shall return to the village before midnight.
4. She should see a doctor about that cough.
5. Shall I carry your bag to the station?
6. We should leave early to avoid traffic.
7. Students should read the instructions twice.
8. Should I wait for you outside?
9. They should arrive at the hotel by now.
10. Shall we order some tea and cake?

Bare Infinitive Examples After Must and Needn’t

Rules and duties use “must”, “mustn’t”, and “needn’t” before a base verb, as in “stop”, “come”, and “wear”.

1. Drivers must stop at a red light.
2. You must try this soup before it cools.
3. We must hurry or we will miss the bus.
4. You needn’t come if you are tired.
5. Visitors must sign the book at the gate.
6. She mustn’t forget her passport at the hotel.
7. Pupils must wear a uniform on Fridays.
8. You needn’t bring anything but your smile.
9. He must be very proud of his daughter.
10. We needn’t book a table on a weekday.

Causative Sentences with Bare Infinitives

Four verbs, let, make, have, and help, are followed by an object and a base verb, as in “rebuild”, “draft”, and “jump”.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Let

Let is followed by a person, a pronoun, or a thing and then a base verb, as in “steer”, “boil”, and “sniff”.

1. Uncle Sami let Nora steer the boat across the bay.
2. The guard let the tourists climb the tower for free.
3. Let me carry that tray for you.
4. The teacher let the class choose their own partners.
5. Don’t let the milk boil over.
6. Her parents let Hana travel to Seoul alone.
7. Let’s meet outside the cinema at seven.
8. Please let us know when you arrive.
9. He let the puppy sniff every corner of the room.
10. The landlord let the tenants keep a small dog.
11. Please let her finish her sentence.
12. Grandma let the twins crack the eggs.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Make

Made is followed by a person or thing and then a base verb, as in “repeat”, “wear”, and “crawl”.

1. The coach made the sprinters repeat the drill six times.
2. The sad ending made the whole audience weep.
3. Her mother made Lina thank the neighbour in person.
4. A loud crash made the baby jump.
5. The rules made every cyclist wear a helmet.
6. The officer made us empty our bags on the table.
7. His clumsy dance made the whole room laugh.
8. The tutor made the students rewrite the opening paragraph.
9. Heavy snow made the bus crawl along the road.
10. The smell of baking bread made Rosa hurry home.
11. The editor made Aiko cut the essay by half.
12. The long wait made several customers walk out.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Have

A person follows had, and a base verb follows that person, as in “raise”, “open”, and “draft”.

1. The captain had the sailors raise the flag at dawn.
2. Diego had the waiter repeat the specials.
3. She had her assistant cancel the afternoon meeting.
4. The head had the caretaker open the hall early.
5. We had a plumber inspect the pipes before winter.
6. I had a friend proofread my application.
7. The mayor had the clerk draft a short speech.
8. Jonas had the mechanic listen to the engine.
9. The editor had a writer shorten the article.
10. Layla had the guide point out the best trails.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Help

Help or helped is followed by a base verb, as in “paint”, “help”, and “cross”.

1. Tomas helped his sister paint the fence.
2. The porter helped the guest lift the suitcase.
3. A kind stranger helped us push the car out of the mud.
4. Priya helps her grandmother cook on Sundays.
5. Can you help me find my glasses?
6. The guide helped the tourists read the map.
7. Kofi helped his uncle repair the roof.
8. This song helps me relax after work.
9. Wei helped the children cross the busy road.
10. The new app helps farmers track the weather.
11. Chidi helped the old man carry his shopping.
12. Volunteers helped the villagers rebuild the school.

Perception Sentences with Bare Infinitives

Verbs of seeing, hearing, and feeling are followed by an object and a base verb, as in “melt”, “break”, and “land”.

Bare Infinitive Examples After See and Watch

An object and a base verb describe a scene being watched, as in “cross”, “enter”, and “see”.

1. I saw a fox cross the road at dawn.
2. We watched the balloon rise over the valley.
3. Nadia saw her friend wave from the bus.
4. The children watched the magician pull a rabbit from his hat.
5. Nobody saw the thief enter the shop.
6. Hiro watched the train disappear into the tunnel.
7. She saw the old man fall and called for help.
8. We watched the athletes run the final lap.
9. Did you see him take the keys?
10. Mira watched her mother plant the roses.
11. They saw the plane land on the grass strip.
12. I watched the baker shape the dough.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Hear and Listen To

Sounds are described with hear or listen to plus an object and a base verb, as in “tune”, “ring”, and “hear”.

1. We heard the orchestra tune up before the concert.
2. She heard the door slam and ran downstairs.
3. I listened to the old man tell his story.
4. Nobody in the building heard the alarm ring.
5. Ravi heard someone knock at the window.
6. We listened to the band play until midnight.
7. Did you hear the baby cry?
8. She heard the neighbours argue through the wall.
9. I overheard the manager say something about a raise.
10. Everyone in the kitchen heard the glass break.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Feel and Notice

Feel and notice are followed by an object and a base verb describing a sensation or a change, as in “sway”, “leave”, and “follow”.

1. We felt the bridge sway in the wind.
2. She felt the rain start on her face.
3. He felt his heart race before the speech.
4. I noticed him leave the room quietly.
5. Nobody in the hall noticed the clock stop.
6. Tara noticed the young waiter smile at her.
7. We felt the boat tip to one side.
8. She noticed the stranger follow her.
9. Ben felt the bed move beneath him.
10. They noticed the lights go out.
11. Scientists observed the ice melt within a week.

Fixed Expression Sentences with Bare Infinitives

Set expressions such as had better, would rather, why not, and rather than take a base verb.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Had Better

Advice and warnings are expressed with had better plus a base verb, as in “leave”, “touch”, and “apologise”.

1. You had better leave before the storm arrives.
2. We had better hurry or we will miss the train.
3. She had better tell the truth.
4. You had better not touch that wire.
5. I had better go home now.
6. They had better book a table early.
7. He had better apologise to her tonight.
8. You had better take an umbrella.
9. The team had better practise harder this week.
10. We had better not wait any longer.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Would Rather and Would Sooner

Choices are stated with would rather or would sooner, as in “stay”, “wait”, and “meet”.

1. I would rather stay home tonight.
2. She would rather cycle than drive to work.
3. Would you rather have tea or coffee?
4. They would rather wait than rush the decision.
5. He would rather starve than ask for help.
6. I would sooner sleep than watch a film.
7. We would rather meet on Sunday.
8. She would rather not talk about it.
9. Would you rather sit by the window?
10. Grandpa would rather fix the clock himself.

Bare Infinitive Examples After Why Not and Why Don’t

Suggestions are made with why not or why don’t, as in “ask”, “take”, and “start”.

1. Why not ask the neighbours for advice?
2. Why don’t we try the new cafe?
3. Why not take the early train?
4. Why not write her a short letter?
5. Why don’t you sit down for a minute?
6. Why not start the party at six?
7. Why don’t they join us for dinner?
8. Why not let the children choose?

Bare Infinitive Examples After Rather Than and But

Rather than, but, and similar wording are followed by a base verb, as in “wait”, “laugh”, and “buy”.

1. Rather than wait for the bus, we took a taxi.
2. She chose to walk rather than take the bus.
3. He did nothing but complain all day.
4. All she did was laugh at the joke.
5. Rather than argue, Tara left the room.
6. They did little but sit in the garden.
7. Rather than buy a new phone, he repaired his old one.
8. The twins do nothing but play football.
9. Rather than throw the bread away, Mum made toast.
10. All I did was ask a simple question.

Negative Sentences with Bare Infinitives

With not, n’t, never, nobody, or cannot, the base verb stays unchanged.

1. Lena did not see the message until Monday evening.
2. She doesn’t eat meat or fish.
3. They didn’t go to the match.
4. We do not live near the sea.
5. He won’t tell anyone about the surprise.
6. You shouldn’t touch the stove with wet hands.
7. Maria cannot come to the party tonight.
8. The shop doesn’t open on Sundays.
9. I don’t know his new address in Leeds.
10. Nobody in the house could explain the noise.
11. They wouldn’t listen to advice from anyone.
12. You mustn’t run by the pool.
13. The children didn’t want to leave.
14. Ana would never forgive him for the lie.

Question Sentences with Bare Infinitives

In questions, a base verb follows do, did, a modal verb, or a question word, as in “go”, “wait”, and “live”.

1. Did she go to the party?
2. Can you swim a hundred metres without stopping?
3. Do they know the answer to the riddle?
4. Does your brother play the piano?
5. Should we wait for the others?
6. Would you rather stay or leave?
7. Why did he leave so early?
8. Will it rain tomorrow during the picnic?
9. What did you buy at the market?
10. Where do your cousins live these days?
11. Why not call her now, before dinner?
12. Must we go home so soon?
13. Did you hear him sing at the concert?
14. How did the thief enter the house?

Context Sentences with Bare Infinitives

Settings range from homes and classrooms to offices, journeys, newsrooms, stories, sports, and clinics.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Home Life

At home, the sentences describe chores, repairs, and family routines, as in “tidy”, “stir”, and “jump”.

1. Mum made us tidy our bedrooms before lunch.
2. Dad can fix almost any leaking tap.
3. Grandma let the twins stir the soup.
4. We heard the kettle whistle in the kitchen.
5. You should turn off the lights when you leave.
6. I saw the cat jump onto the shelf.
7. Aunt Rosa will bring dessert on Sunday.
8. The neighbours helped us move the sofa.

Bare Infinitive Examples for School Life

In the classroom, the sentences describe lessons, rules, and routines, as in “raise”, “read”, and “solve”.

1. Pupils must raise a hand before speaking.
2. Mr Obi made the class copy the poem.
3. The teacher let Zoe read her story aloud.
4. We heard the bell ring at noon.
5. Students should bring a pencil case.
6. Can you solve the third problem?
7. Miss Ito helped the pupils draw the map.
8. The principal watched the choir perform.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Work

At the office, the sentences describe meetings, reports, and routines, as in “rewrite”, “present”, and “book”.

1. The manager made the team rewrite the proposal.
2. Employees must sign in at the front desk.
3. Priya will present the figures on Monday.
4. Ines helped her colleague fix the spreadsheet.
5. The director let staff leave early on Friday.
6. We should book the meeting room today.
7. Did anyone see the client arrive?
8. The new software helps clerks sort invoices.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Travel

On the road, the sentences describe journeys, bookings, and stations, as in “leave”, “wait”, and “announce”.

1. We watched the ferry leave the harbour.
2. Passengers must show a passport at the gate.
3. The guide made us wait by the fountain.
4. You had better book the hotel early.
5. Can we leave our bags at the station?
6. Hana heard the pilot announce a delay.
7. Nobody could find the right platform.
8. The driver let us stop at the lookout.

Bare Infinitive Examples for News Reports

News reports describe officials, residents, and public events, as in “close”, “open”, and “register”.

1. Officials made the factory close after the fire.
2. Residents saw the river rise overnight.
3. The mayor will open the new bridge on Friday.
4. Police heard the suspect shout from the roof.
5. The minister would not answer any questions.
6. Voters should register before the deadline.
7. The storm made hundreds of families leave their homes.
8. Reporters watched the crowd gather outside the court.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Stories

Witches, knights, and sailors appear in the stories, as in “sleep”, “enter”, and “swing”.

1. The witch made the prince sleep for a hundred years.
2. The knight saw the dragon rise from the cave.
3. The queen let the stranger enter the castle.
4. Pip heard a voice call his name from the marsh.
5. The old sailor would tell stories by the fire.
6. The wind made the lanterns swing.
7. The wizard had a servant guard the door.
8. They watched the ship vanish beyond the horizon.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Sports

On the pitch, the sentences describe training, matches, and referees, as in “jog”, “continue”, and “blow”.

1. The captain made the squad jog two extra laps.
2. Lena can kick a ball with either foot.
3. The referee let the game continue.
4. We watched the striker hit the post.
5. Players must wear shin guards during every match.
6. The crowd heard the whistle blow.
7. Marco helped his teammate stand up.
8. Our captain will lead the team onto the pitch.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Health

At the clinic, doctors, nurses, and treatment are described, as in “rest”, “sit”, and “walk”.

1. The doctor made him rest for a week.
2. You should drink water throughout the day.
3. The nurse had the patient sit in the corridor.
4. I felt my pulse quicken during the run.
5. Patients must fast before the operation.
6. The physio helped Ali walk without a stick.
7. Can you breathe deeply and slowly?
8. The dentist let the child hold the mirror.

Kids and Student Sentences with Bare Infinitives

Levels range from short beginner sentences to formal exam answers.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Kids

For kids, the sentences describe play and everyday routines, as in “jump”, “hold”, and “share”.

1. I can jump over the little stream.
2. Mum lets me help her bake cookies.
3. We saw a bird sit on the fence.
4. You must hold the rope with both hands.
5. Can you hear the rain on the roof?
6. Dad made me eat my peas.
7. I will share my toys with my friend.
8. Let’s play hide and seek!
9. Did you see the rabbit hop?
10. Our teacher helped us tie our shoes.

Short Bare Infinitive Examples for Beginners

Beginners read sentences of three or four words, as in “run”, “sing”, and “rest”.

1. I can run.
2. Let’s go!
3. We must wait.
4. She can sing.
5. I will try.
6. Dad made me smile.
7. You should rest.
8. They can swim.
9. Did you eat?
10. Let me see.

Bare Infinitive Examples for Exams

For exam answers, the wording is formal, as in “submit”, “protect”, and “disclose”.

1. Candidates must submit their essays by noon on Friday.
2. The committee would rather delay the vote than risk an error.
3. Researchers watched the colony grow over twelve weeks.
4. The government should protect wetlands that shelter rare birds.
5. Witnesses heard the defendant repeat the same denial.
6. Rather than summarise the report, the speaker analysed its flaws.
7. Auditors made the firm disclose every payment.
8. Scholars cannot ignore the evidence from the second excavation.
9. The new policy will reduce waste in schools.
10. Citizens may appeal against any decision within thirty days.

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Related:

• Gerund Example Sentences
• Participle Example Sentences
• Gerund Phrase Examples
• Participial Phrase Examples
• Noun Phrase Examples