Grammar Mini-Lesson #17: Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
Objective: To be able to recognize infinitives and infinitive phrases
Purpose: To . . . well, you know
Definition: You already know two kinds of verbals (gerunds and participles). Just as with those
verbals, infinitives can work alone or link up with other words to form an infinitive phrase.
Infinitives can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Words in Action: Infinitive phrases are underlined.
1. The soldier’s duty is to obey orders. [used as a noun/predicate nominative]
2. To finish her term paper on time, Angela spent Saturday in the library. [used as an adverb]
3. The detective didn’t have a minute to wait for an answer. [used as an adjective]
Practice: Underline the infinitive phrases. Identify how they are being used.
1. Radium in its pure state is difficult to find in nature.
2. To err frequently is human.
3. Samuel Johnson liked to argue his opinions.
4. She hoped to help her father.
5. I saw her raise her hand.
6. To compose effective drama is quite difficult.
7. Juliet did not wish to survive Romeo.
8. To incite the Roman mobs, Antony praised Caesar.