Indian Kanoon - Search engine for Indian Law

"....The Infinitive with or without adjuncts may be used, like a Noun. When the infinitive is thus used, like a Noun, it is called the Simple Infinitive. To discharge or dismiss merely names the action denoted by the Verb discharge or dismiss, and is used without mentioning any subject. The expression is, therefore, not limited by person and number as a Verb that has a subject, and is, therefore, called the Verb Infinite, or simply the Infinitive. The Infinitive is a kind of noun with certain features of the Verb, especially that of taking an object (when the Verb is transitive) and adverbial qualifiers. In short, the Infinitive is a Verb-noun (and is called a Gerund). A Gerund is that form of the Verb which ends in - ing, and has the force of a Noun and a Verb; it is a Verbal Noun. The word to is frequently used with the Infinitive, but is not as essential part or sign of it. The Infinitive may be active or passive. When active, it may have a present and a perfect form, and may merely name the act, or it may represent progressive or continued action. Then comes the question of Tense. Here I wish to elaborate by taking an illustration thus : (1) I speak - The Verb shows that the action is mentioned simply, without anything being said about the completeness or incompleteness of the action. Here the Tense is Present Indefinite. (2) I am speaking - The Verb shows that the action is mentioned as incomplete or continuous, that is, as still going on. Here the Tense is Present Continuous. (3) I have spoken - The Verb shows that the action is mentioned as finished, complete or perfect at the time of speaking. Here the Tense is Present Perfect. (4) I have been speaking - The Verb shows that the action is going on continuously, and not completed at this present moment. Here the Tense is Present Perfect Continuous.