Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases

Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases

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.

Examples:

1. To swim is my favorite activity. (noun)
2. She has a book to read. (adjective)
3. He went to the store to buy groceries. (adverb)

In these examples, “to swim,” “to read,” and “to buy” are infinitives functioning as a noun, an adjective, and an adverb, respectively.

Infinitive Phrases:

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

Examples:

1. To swim in the ocean is my favorite activity.
   • “To swim” (infinitive) + “in the ocean” (prepositional phrase modifying the infinitive)
2. She has a book to read before bed.
   • “To read” (infinitive) + “before bed” (prepositional phrase modifying the infinitive)
3. He went to the store to buy some groceries.
   • “To buy” (infinitive) + “some groceries” (direct object of the infinitive)

Functions of Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases in Sentences:

1. Subject of a sentence:
   • To learn a new language is challenging.
     • Infinitive phrase as the subject
2. Object of a verb:
   • She wants to travel the world.
     • Infinitive phrase as the object
3. Subject complement:
   • His goal is to become a doctor.
     • Infinitive phrase as the subject complement
4. Adjective modifying a noun:
   • She has a lot of homework to finish tonight.
     • Infinitive phrase as an adjective
5. Adverb modifying a verb:
   • He left early to avoid traffic.
     • Infinitive phrase as an adverb

Examples with Explanation:

1. To read is to travel to another world.
   • “To read” is an infinitive functioning as the subject of the sentence.
   • “To travel to another world” is an infinitive phrase functioning as the subject complement.
2. She plans to start a new project.
   • “To start a new project” is an infinitive phrase functioning as the object of the verb “plans.”
3. Their goal is to complete the marathon.
   • “To complete the marathon” is an infinitive phrase functioning as the subject complement.
4. I have a report to write by tomorrow.
   • “To write by tomorrow” is an infinitive phrase functioning as an adjective modifying “report.”
5. He went to the library to study for his exams.
   • “To study for his exams” is an infinitive phrase functioning as an adverb modifying the verb “went.”

Understanding infinitives and infinitive phrases is crucial for recognizing how they function within sentences and how they can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, providing versatility in expressing actions, states, and purposes.