The basic, uninflected form of a verb that has no markers as to number, tense or person. Many infinitive constructions in English are accompanied by modal verbs, as in You must go, or by the preposition to, as in I’m dying to see you.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Glossary
We’ve curated a glossary of terms regarding all things writing and publishing related. From commonly-used terms to abbreviations, our glossary will guide writers and people starting out in publishing, to cut through the jargon and gain a better understanding.
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Infinitive
Inflection
Form of a word that is derived, usually in a predictable way, from the main form, such as the past tense of a verb, the comparative of an adjective, or the plural of a noun.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Intransitive verb
Verb that cannot take a direct object, such as abound, cling, hanker and skateboard.
A more extensive list of grammatical terms is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Juxtaposition
Where two things are placed together to create a contrast or invite comparison.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021
Litotes
An understated or ironic figure of speech in which an idea or thing is emphasised by rejecting its opposite, for example ‘You won’t be sorry’ to convey satisfaction or pleasure.
A more extensive list of literary terms, with quotations from fiction and non-fiction sources showing the terms in use, is included in The Right Word: A Writer’s Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms (Bloomsbury 2021)
© Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2021