An infinitive phrase will begin with an infinitive [to + simple form of the verb]. It will include objects and/or modifiers. Here are some examples:
To smash a spider
To kick the ball past the dazed goalie
Infinitive Phrase
The infinitive form of a verb is usually preceded by "to"
(e.g., to run, to dance, to think). An infinitive phrase is this form of
the verb plus any complements or modifiers.
Examples (infinitive phrases in bold):
 He helped
to build the roof.
Let me show
you the best way to paint the door.
The officer
returned to help the inspectors.
Infinitive phrases can be used as nouns, adjectives and
adverbs.
Examples:
He helped
to build the roof. (noun)
Let me show
you the best way to paint the door. (adjective)
The officer
returned to help the inspectors. (adverb)
Interactive example:
|
The only solution is to lower the
standards. [show
me the infinitive
phrase] |
Exercise Directions: Write down the infinitive phrase in each sentence and tell how it is used (as either a noun, adjective, or adverb).
1. You have two choices, to stay or to go.
2. Bill tried to warn them of the problem.
3. Jim had no choice except to resign from the position.
4. The child was afraid to tell the truth.
5. The teachers came to offer their service.
6. Joan had a scheme to make __________.
7. I sat down to rest.
8. Ginger and her sister's plan was to see a lawyer.
9. The scouts stopped to buy some supplies.
10. The boss asked me to send the message to her brother.
Infinitive Phrase Recognition Practice - Answers
1. to stay....adjective....modifies choices
to go....adjective....modifies choices
2. to warn them of the problem....noun....direct object
3. to resign from the position....noun....object of preposition, except
4. to tell the truth....adverb....modifies the predicate adjective, afraid
5. to offer their service....noun....direct object
6. to make _____....adjective....modifies noun, scheme
7. to rest....adverb....modifies verb, sat (answers the question "why did I sit?")
8. to see a lawyer....noun....predicate noun.
9. to buy some supplies....adverb....modifies the verb, stopped (answers the question "why did the scouts stop?")
10. to send the message to her brother.....noun....direct object |
THE INFINITIVE PHRASE
The infinitive phrase begins with the word to. The phrase consists of to, the infinitive (always a verb),
its complements, and its modifiers.
Ex. Tim wants to be a lawyer. (The infinitive phrase is the object of wants.)
To win at chess requires much concentration. (The infinitive phrase is the subject.)
Mary was glad to be invited to the party. (The infinitive phrase modifies the adjective glad.)
Identifying Infinitive Phrases. Underline the infinitive phrase in each of the following sentences.
Example: Joe intends to work hard.
1. To be objective in my decision is hard.
2. Does Joan have enough _________ to make a phone call?
3. Always try to proofread your paper before you turn it in.
4. Ellen is able to swim six lengths of the pool.
5. The Harlow twins came to play with my little brother.
6. Would you like to warn me if anyone comes?
7. I was happy to give you a ride home.
8. To move to a larger house would be unwise for us now.
9. Fred was frightened to be alone in the old house.
10. Megan is trying to practice the piano an hour a day.
11. To be a doctor is Ann's ambition.
12. To win the _________ is __________ ambition.
13. Did you have time to feed the kitten?
14. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor plan to go to Maine this summer.
15. The mayor decided to call a press conference.
16. Dick always tries to do his best.
17. Sarah tried to paint the ceiling of her room.
18. The lecturer was asked to speak for half an hour.
19. Our plan is to go to Tennessee in October.
20. To play tennis every day is Jim's ambition for the summer.
Identifying Infinitive Phrases.
1. (To be objective) in my decision is hard.
2. Does Joan have enough change (to make a phone call?)
3. Always try (to proofread your paper) before you turn it in.
4. Ellen is able (to swim six lengths of the pool.)
5. The Harlow twins came (to play with my little brother.)
6. Would you like (to warn me if anyone comes?)
7. I was happy (to give you a ride home.)
8. (To move to a larger house) would be unwise for us now.
9. Fred was frightened (to be alone in the old house.)
10. Megan is trying (to practice the piano an hour a day.)
11. (To be a doctor) is Ann's ambition.
12. (To win the _________) is __________ ambition.
13. Did you have time (to feed the kitten?)
14. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor plan (to go to Maine this summer.)
15. The __________ decided (to call a press conference.)
16. _________ always tries (to do his best.)
17. Sarah tried (to paint the ceiling of her room.)
18. The lecturer was asked (to speak for half an hour.)
19. Our plan is (to go to Tennessee in October.)
20. (To play tennis every day) is Jim's ambition for the summer.
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