Reduced Infinitives

•In conversation, it’s often not necessary to use the full infinitive if it’s understood from the context.​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

B. Because the doctor told me to.

B. Because I promised to.​

B. No, I’ve decided not to.​

B. Sorry, I forgot to.

B. No way! I don't want to.​

B. I didn't have a chance to.

A: Why did you take that medicine?

A: Why are you helping Sue?

A: Are you going to sell your house?

A: Did you bring my book?

A: Do you want to get married?

A: Did you tell her you loved her?

​A. Did you mail my letter?

B. Oh, sorry. I ________. (forget)

A. I can’t go out with you this evening. Sorry.

B. Oh, but you __________. (promise)

A. Why didn't you call your mom?

B. Because she __________. (not tell me)​

Subject | Subject

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

​A. Did you mail my letter?

B. Oh, sorry. I forgot to. (forget)

A. I can’t go out with you this evening. Sorry.

B. Oh, but you promised to. (promise)

A. Why didn't you call your mom?

B. Because she told me not to. (not tell me)​

Subject | Subject

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

A:Do you think you’ll apply for that job?

B: Yes, I’ve definitely _________. (decide)

A: Are you taking your brother to the airport?

B: Well, I _________ (offer), but he said he _________ me __ (not want).

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

A:Do you think you’ll apply for that job?

B: Yes, I’ve definitely decided to. (decide) (present perfect)

A: Are you taking your brother to the airport?

B: Well, I offered to (offer), but he said he didn't want me to (not want).

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.