Phrases Unit 4 Verbal Phrases Infinitives Definition An
Phrases Unit 4: Verbal Phrases - Infinitives
Definition An infinitive is a verb form that functions in the sentence as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Infinitives can be recognized by the fact that they are always the base form of the verb and are usually preceded by the word to.
Uses of Infinitives - Examples • Infinitive as noun – He always wanted to run for mayor. To run for mayor serves as the direct object in this sentence; therefore, the infinitive phrase is functioning as a noun.
• Infinitive as adjective – His plan to run for mayor put pressure on his family. To run for mayor tells what kind of plan he had; therefore, it functions as an adjective modifying the noun plan.
• Infinitive as adverb – He foolishly fought to run for mayor. To run for mayor tells why he fought; therefore, it is an adverb modifying the main verb fought.
Identifying Infinitive Phrases 1. To fall in love is easy; to stay in love is difficult. 2. The command to listen for futher instructions demanded our attention. 3. He wanted to bury his dog in the family plot. 4. Mrs. Jonson wanted to pick fruits from the trees in order to make jams and jellies from them.
5. Who made the decision to teach that lesson? 6. The leader told us to do nothing without listening first. 7. Use these ideas to write a story about your experiences. 8. To create a new presentation, you must first find the correct template. 9. Do you plan to invite Mr. Benson or Mrs. Eli? 10. When do you want to go with me?
Separating Prepositional Phrases and Infinitive Phrases As you know, some prepositional phrases start with the word to; however, in a prepositional phrase, to is followed by a noun or pronoun object. • Give the keys (to the white-headed gentleman). An infinitive phrase also starts with the word to; however, the to is followed by the base form of a verb. • To maintain a positive attitude during adversity requires maturity.
Practice 1. His plan to attend college in the fall required him to fill out applications in the spring. 2. Jimma gave money to buy supplies to her little sister. 3. Do you want to change the order of the program? 4. To prepare this recipe, you will have to go to the store for capers.
5. Steaming is a tasty way to cook vegetables. 6. Did Carmen write to you during your hospital stay? 7. Is this the map to Colorado Springs? 8. The best place to buy fresh produce is the farmers’ market. 9. Marvin gave the book to his best friend Andy. 10. I have a new outfit to wear for Easter Sunday.
Split Infinitive A split infinitive occurs when modifiers are inserted between to and the base verb form of the infinitive phrase. Placing the modifier either before or after the parts of the infinitive is a preferable grammatical construction. NOT - Indi wanted to quickly leave the party. BUT – Indi wanted to leave the party quickly.
Punctuating Infinitive Phrases An introductory infinitive phrase that is not the subject must be followed by a comma. Examples To demonstrate compassion adds kindness to the world. (infinitive phrase as subject) To demonstrate compassion, Mrs. Mc. Donald took food to the grieving family. (infinitive phrase that is not the subject)
Practice In the following sentences, identify any infinitive phrases. Insert any necessary commas. 1. To plan the party the hostesses met Thursday afternoon. 2. Do you prefer to cook outdoors on a charcoal or gas grill? 3. To win the match the tennis player had to play her very best. 4. To complete the project on time is everyone’s goal.
5. The bus is about to depart for the football field. 6. To develop the paragraph use text evidence with explanation. 7. These rules should be easy to follow. 8. To write well requires both instruction and practice. 9. The assignment required students to read three books and to use passages from each in their research. 10. The students wanted to skip tutorials in order to eat a leisurely lunch. 11. Helen had many chores to do for her mother. 12. To watch the video students had to move to different seats.
Reviewing Verbal Phrases Type of Verbal Used As Noun Gerund (ends in –ing) Adverb X Participle (ends in –ing or –ed) Infinitive (base form, usually introduced by to) Adjective X X
Practice 1. Tightly holding her child, the woman stepped into the lifeboat. 2. To restore confidence in the economy, Congress will have to make some tough decisions. 3. Firing lazy employees was part of Mr. Madison’s job. 4. The owl sitting in the tree hooted mournfully. 5. Our mission involves flying to Japan for language training. 6. Writing the preliminary outline can help you to clarify your ideas.
- Slides: 16