Progressive infinitives

The ordinary infinitive is the simplest form of the verb. Examples are: (to) work, (to) know, (to) earn, (to) break, (to) write. Note that that to is not really a part of the infinitive. In fact, infinitives can be used with or without the marker to.

Besides the ordinary infinitive, there are also progressive, perfect and passive infinitives. In this lesson, we will learn about progressive infinitives.

Progressive infinitive: (to) be ...ing.

Like other progressive forms, the progressive infinitive is used to talk about actions or situations that are / were / will be continuing at around the time we are talking about.

It is nice to be sitting here in the garden listening to some soft music.
I noticed that they seemed to be quarreling a lot.
She seemed to be worrying a lot.

The progressive infinitive is used to form the future continuous test.

This time tomorrow, I will be flying to Athens.

Note that in this case, the infinitive is used without to.

I will be giving a presentation at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Don’t call them now. They will be having lunch.
This time tomorrow, I will be playing in the garden with my kids.

Progressive infinitives

Progressive infinitive: (to) be ...ing.

See also