Question

Fill in the blank with the correct form of infinitive verb to complete the sentence:
I had better _____ now unless I want dark circles.
a. slept
b. had slept
c. to sleep
d. sleep

Answer 1

Hint: The infinitive form of a verb refers to the verb in its basic form. It is the version of the verb that appears in the dictionary. An infinitive verb is usually preceded by "to" (e.g., "to sing," "to kill," "to trust").

Complete step by step solution: In the given question, we need to fill in the blank with the most suitable form of the infinitive. To do so, we need to understand the meaning of the phrase 'had better'. 'Had better' is a phrase which is used when a person, thing or situation is better than the other (to have/ to do).
When 'had better' is used in passive voice, we use the preposition 'to' along with the verb.
Since the given sentence in the question is in active voice, we will use the bare infinitive here.
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'slept', refers to the past form of the verb ‘sleep’.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as we need the bare infinitive form of the verb ‘sleep’.

Option (b.), ‘had slept', indicates an action or sentence in past perfect tense.
Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as we need the bare infinitive form of the verb ‘sleep’.

Option (c.), ‘to sleep', refers to an infinitive which should be in a passive voice sentence.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as we need the bare infinitive form of the verb ‘sleep’ in an active voice sentence (i.e without the ‘to’).

Option (d.), ‘sleep', refers to the bare infinitive form of the verb ‘sleep’.
Therefore, option (d.) is correct.

Note: In this question, keep in mind that in any active voice sentence, we don’t use the preposition 'to' with the verb.
The verbs which are without 'to' are called bare infinitives.