Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases

Key Notes:

1. What Are Infinitives?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word “to”. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.

  • Example:
  • I like to read.
  • (Here, “to read” is an infinitive acting as the object of the verb “like.”)

2. What Is an Infinitive Phrase?

An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive along with any modifiers or complements. The entire phrase can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

  • Example:
  • She wants to win the race.
  • (Here, “to win the race” is the infinitive phrase, with “to win” being the infinitive and “the race” being the object of the infinitive.)

3. Functions of Infinitives

a. Infinitives as Nouns:

When infinitives function as nouns, they can act as the subject, direct object, or subject complement in a sentence.

  • Examples:
  • Subject:
    • To exercise regularly is important.
    • (Here, “to exercise” is the subject of the sentence.)
  • Direct Object:
    • He loves to travel.
    • (Here, “to travel” is the object of the verb “loves.”)
  • Subject Complement:
    • Her goal is to become a doctor.
    • (Here, “to become a doctor” is the complement of the subject “goal.”)

b. Infinitives as Adjectives:

Infinitives can function as adjectives, modifying a noun by describing the purpose or intent of something.

  • Example:
  • She has a lot of work to finish.
  • (Here, “to finish” is an infinitive acting as an adjective, modifying “work.”)

c. Infinitives as Adverbs:

Infinitives can act as adverbs, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb by expressing purpose or reason.

  • Example:
  • He ran fast to catch the bus.
  • (Here, “to catch the bus” is an infinitive acting as an adverb, explaining why he ran fast.)

4. Common Structures with Infinitives

a. Infinitive Without “To”:

Some verbs (e.g., make, let, help) are followed by an infinitive without “to.”

  • Examples:
  • I made him do his homework.
  • She helped me solve the problem.

b. Split Infinitives:

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or another word is placed between “to” and the verb. While often discouraged in formal writing, split infinitives can be used for emphasis.

  • Example:
  • She decided to boldly go where no one had gone before.
  • (The adverb “boldly” splits the infinitive “to go.”)

5. Infinitive Phrases

An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive along with any complements or modifiers that complete its meaning. Infinitive phrases can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

  • Examples of Infinitive Phrases:
  • Noun Phrase:
    • I want to learn French.
    • (Here, “to learn French” is an infinitive phrase acting as the object of the verb “want.”)
  • Adjective Phrase:
    • She is the person to ask for advice.
    • (Here, “to ask for advice” is an infinitive phrase modifying the noun “person.”)
  • Adverb Phrase:
    • He left early to avoid traffic.
    • (Here, “to avoid traffic” is an infinitive phrase modifying the verb “left.”)

6. How to Identify Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases

To identify infinitives and infinitive phrases in a sentence:

  1. Look for the word “to” followed by the base form of a verb.
  2. Determine the function of the infinitive (noun, adjective, or adverb).
  3. Check for any additional words (objects or modifiers) that form an infinitive phrase.
  • Example:
  • Sentence: They plan to visit the museum tomorrow.
  • Infinitive Phrase: to visit the museum
  • Function: Direct object (what they plan to do)

7. Common Mistakes with Infinitives

a. Confusing Infinitives with Prepositional Phrases:

Be careful not to confuse infinitives with prepositional phrases that also begin with “to.”

  • Infinitive:
  • He loves to swim.
  • (Here, “to swim” is an infinitive.)
  • Prepositional Phrase:
  • She walked to the store.
  • (Here, “to the store” is a prepositional phrase.)

b. Overuse of Split Infinitives:

Avoid unnecessary splitting of infinitives, especially in formal writing.

  • Incorrect:
  • She hoped to quickly finish her homework.
  • Better:
  • She hoped to finish her homework quickly.

8. Practice Identifying Infinitives and Their Functions

  • Example 1:
  • Sentence: The teacher asked us to submit our assignments.
  • Infinitive: to submit
  • Function: Direct object (what the teacher asked us to do)
  • Example 2:
  • Sentence: He brought a book to read on the train.
  • Infinitive: to read
  • Function: Adjective (modifying “book”)

Let’s practice!🖊️