In grammar terms the difference between infinitive and participle
is that infinitive is formed with the infinitive while participle is a form of a verb that may function as an adjective or noun. English has two types of participles: the present participle and the past participle.
As an adjective infinitive
is formed with the infinitive.
infinitive
Noun
(
en noun)
(grammar) A non-finite verb form considered neutral with respect to inflection; depending on language variously found used with auxilary verbs, in subordinate clauses, or acting as a gerund, and often as the dictionary form.
(grammar) A verbal noun formed from the infinitive of a verb.
See also
* gerund
* supine
* verb
Adjective
(
-)
(grammar) Formed with the infinitive.
Unlimited; not bounded or restricted; undefined.
* Cunningham's Sermons (quoted in 1823 , The Edinburgh Christian Instructor , volume 23, page 328)
-
----
participle
Noun
(
en noun)
(grammar) A form of a verb that may function as an adjective or noun. English has two types of participles: the present participle and the past participle.
Usage notes
Participles can be combined with the auxiliary verbs have'' and ''be to form the perfect aspect, the progressive aspect, and the passive voice. The tense is always expressed through the auxiliary verb.
* I have asked. (present tense, perfect aspect)
* I am asking. (present tense, progressive aspect)
* I am asked. (present tense, passive voice)
When not combined with have'' or ''be , participles are almost always adjectives and can form adjectival phrases called participial phrases. Nouns can occasionally be derived from these adjectives:
* the following items
* the following
* the dying victims
* the dying
In English, participles typically end in -ing'', ''-ed'' or ''-en .
Derived terms
* future participle
* perfect passive participle
