Infinitives Objective to identify infinitives to use them

~ Infinitives ~ Objective: to identify infinitives; to use them correctly in writing; to distinguish between infinitive and prepositional phrases

Here’s the Idea: Definition: An infinitive is a verb form that usually begins with the word “to” and that functions as another part of speech. Infinitive can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive along with any modifiers. Example: Sam has always wanted to work on his own farm.

Functions of Infinitives… Infinitive can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. If the infinitive acts as a noun, it will have a job in the sentence, just like any other noun. It can be the subject, direct object, indirect object, or predicate nominative (just like any other noun). If the infinitive acts as an adjective, it will modify a noun or pronoun (just as any other adjective). If the infinitive acts as an adverb, it will modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb (just as any other adverb).

Using Infinitives as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs… Noun (Subject) Noun (Predicate Noun) Noun (Direct Object) To run his farm takes Sam’s full energy. His challenge is to handle large animals. Often, bulls begin to charge for no reason. Adjectiv They can be creatures to fear. e Adverb Fortunately, the bulls calm down to receive food.

Beware!! The word to, the sign of the infinitive, can sometimes be omitted. When you find a phrase that begins with a verb-like word, but the word is not the verb, it may be an infinitive. Check to see if a noun or pronoun follows this verbal. Examples: Let them (to) eat cake. Make them all (to) wash their hands. You ought not (to) stand like that.

Infinitives Vs. Prepositions… How can you tell the difference between an infinitive phrase and a prepositional phrase that begins with to? Remember: infinitives and prepositional phrases can both begin with the word “to. ” Tip to distinguish between infinitive and prepositional phrases: If a verb follows to, the words (or phrase) are an infinitive. If a noun or pronoun follows to, the words (or phrase) are a prepositional phrase. Ex: Sam’s dog runs to distract the bulls. Distract is a verb; therefore, to distract is an infinitive. Ex: The dog runs to the pen. Pen is a noun; therefore, to the pen is a prepositional phrase.

Identify the infinitive or infinitive phrase. 1. A queen bee, some drones, and many worker bees are needed to form a honeybee colony. 2. The queen bee’s main job is to lay eggs. 3. The drones, or male bees, exist only to mate. 4. The all-female worker bees have a lot more work to do. 5. They build the honeycomb as a place to raise young bees.

Identify the infinitive or infinitive phrase. 6. They also use it to store food or honey. 7. To make their honey, bees combine their own enzymes with nectar from flowers. 8. Many animals, including bears, love to eat the honey. 9. They are eager to raid a hive. 10. To protect the hive, worker bees guard its entrance.

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Infinitives used as nouns 1. Find the verb 2. Find the infinitive 3. Use verb chart to decide its function • Examples: • Gary is practicing to become the best player ever. • Fred is to recite the pledge tomorrow. • To ask questions in class is important if you are having trouble. 10

Infinitive verb chart Before verb: Subject Appositive After action verb: Direct object Appositive After linking verb: Predicate noun Appositive 11

Underline the infinitive. Write V above the verb. Write the function of the infinitive. 1. To read this book is a request of our teacher. 2. His desire was to continue his work until it was completed. 3. My plan, to travel to the city, was not carried out. 4. To write the essay was our assignment. 5. We wanted to see the famous monument. 6. Their goal is to win the game. 7. Did you expect to see your friend? 8. To go to college is her ambition. 9. His purpose, to reach the city before nightfall, was to achieved. 12 10. Her duty is to minimize expenses.

Underline the infinitive. Write V above the verb. Write the function of the infinitive. 1. To take the trip was a necessity. 2. To see my friend in the city was a surprise. 3. We asked to see the inside of the house. 4. The class decided to go on a picnic. 5. His idea, to complete the work immediately, was a good one. 6. Would you like to go with us? 7. Her advice was to leave at once. 8. To solve this problem is an achievement. 9. His warning, to be quiet, was heeded. 10. Jack had to go with his friends. 13

Infinitives used as adjectives & adverbs Steps: 1. Find the subject & verb 2. Find the infinitive 3. Find the word modified 4. Determine adj or adv The best time to visit Florida is December through April. The gymnasts were ready to practice their routines. If you want information about computers, that is the magazine to read. The camel knelt at the pool to drink. 14

Write s over the subject & v over verb. Underline the infinitive phrase & circle infinitive. Write word modified & adj or adv. 1. They came to see our new home. 2. We didn't have enough gas to reach home. 3. Here are some books to read. 4. It was too dark to see plainly. 5. I have many lessons to learn. 6. We hurried to see the fire. 7. We were close enough to feel the heat of the flames. 8. The houses to paint are on the next street. 9. They were too late to see the show. 10. Our teacher showed us the way to solve the problem. 15

Write s over the subject & v over verb. Underline the infinitive phrase & circle infinitive. Write word modified & adj or adv. 1. The correct method to use was not given in the book. 2. They called to see if we would come to the meeting. 3. This is a book to be enjoyed. 4. It was an experience to remember. 5. Kenneth was tall enough to see over the heads of the people. 6. Wayne is a boy to be admired. 7. His accomplishments are too numerous to mention. 8. He has a record to be envied. 9. He works hard to understand his lessons. 10. Bo knows that they way to win is through hard work. 16

Write the infinitive phrase, circle the infinitive, and write its function. 1. 2. 3. 4. To install the ceiling fan took two hours. Winona’s ambition is to become a doctor. Shina likes to skate. After school, June and I like to walk home together. 5. I learned to place a small drop of oil on each link of the bicycle chain. 6. I don’t like to sit still when a good song is playing.