What Are Continuous Infinitives?

A continuous infinitive is a verb form that emphasizes an action is currently happening or is ongoing over a period of time. It brings a sense of dynamism to your sentences, showing that an activity is not just a single event but a process.

There are two main forms:

• With “to”: to be + verb + -ing
• With modals: modal verb + be + verb + -ing

This structure helps you describe actions that are temporary, incomplete, or happening at the moment of speaking or at a specific time.

When Do We Use Continuous Infinitives?

Continuous infinitives are versatile and can be used in several contexts to add specific meaning to your sentences. They often highlight the ongoing nature of an action or situation.

• To comment on ongoing actions or situations (with appear y seem):

  We use continuous infinitives after verbs like appear y seem to describe something that looks or feels like it is happening right now.

  • They seem to be having a great time at the party. (It looks like they are enjoying themselves now.)
  • The economy appears to be recovering slowly. (It looks like the recovery is an ongoing process.)
• To comment on intentions or plans (with want, would like, y need):

  These infinitives help express a desire, a preference, or a requirement for an action that is continuous or in progress.

  • I want to be traveling the world next year. (This is my ongoing plan or desire.)
  • We would like to be making more progress on this project. (We desire continuous progress.)
  • You need to be paying more attention in class. (It's an ongoing requirement.)
• To criticize or speculate about an ongoing action or situation (with modals should, could, y might):

  When combined with modal verbs, continuous infinitives can express criticism, regret, or speculation about an action that is or was ongoing.

  • You should be studying instead of watching TV. (Criticism of a current, ongoing action.)
  • She could be working on her presentation right now. (Speculation about an ongoing action.)
  • They might be waiting for us outside. (Possibility of an ongoing action.)

Ejemplos

• We're going to be looking at the flip side.
• We seem to be packing way too much into our days.
• We know we need to be racking up at least seven hours of sleep a night.
• You're watching cat videos when you should be sleeping!
• She appears to be living in London these days.
• I would like to be earning more money by next year.
• They might be discussing the new proposal as we speak.
• He shouldn't be driving if he's so tired.

Práctica

Errores habituales de los hispanohablantes

Spanish speakers sometimes use a simple infinitive where a continuous infinitive is more appropriate in English, especially when emphasizing an ongoing action or intention. This can lead to a less natural-sounding sentence.

• Incorrecto: She seems to work very hard. (Implies a general habit.)
• Correcto: She seems to be working very hard. (Emphasizes that she is working hard right now, or over a specific period.)
• Incorrecto: I need to study for the exam. (General need.)
• Correcto: I need to be studying for the exam. (Emphasizes that the studying should be an ongoing action at this moment or period.)

Remember that the continuous infinitive adds the nuance of "in progress" or "temporary" that the simple infinitive does not always convey.

Preguntas más frecuentes

What is the basic structure of a continuous infinitive?

The basic structure is to be + verb + -ing. Por ejemplo, to be studying o to be working.

How is a continuous infinitive different from a simple infinitive?

A simple infinitive (to study) refers to the action itself. A continuous infinitive (to be studying) emphasizes that the action is in progress, ongoing, or temporary. For example, I want to learn (general desire) vs. I want to be learning new things every day (desire for continuous action).

Can continuous infinitives be used with all verbs?

Continuous infinitives are typically used with action verbs. They are less common with stative verbs (verbs describing states, not actions, like know, believe, love), as stative verbs do not usually express ongoing actions.

What meaning does a continuous infinitive add when used with modal verbs?

When used with modals like should, could, o might, a continuous infinitive often expresses criticism, regret, or speculation about an action that is or was ongoing. For example, You should be listening (criticism) or He might be waiting (speculation).