INFINITIVES AND
INFINITIVE PHRASES
Barry 2011
Review: Verbals
verbal: a verb form that functions
as an adjective, a noun, or an
adverb
There are three kinds of verbals:
participles
2. gerunds
3. infinitives
1.
• What is an infinitive?
Infinitives
infinitive: a verbal formed from the
word to followed by the base form of
a verb, which can function as a
noun, an adjective, or an adverb
Infinitives, when functioning as
nouns, can act as
1. A subject
2. A direct object
3. (A subject complement.)
Infinitives
The word to is not considered a
preposition when preceding a
verb.
The word to is considered a
preposition when preceding a
noun, a pronoun, or a gerund.
Infinitives
To know you is to love you.
Jenny is always looking for a chance to
read.
Jenny tries to practice every day.
Jenny goes to the library every day.
Infinitive Phrases
What is a phrase?
What is a phrase?
A phrase is a group of related words
that functions as a single part of
speech and that does not contain
both a subject and a verb.
So far this year, we have learned
about appositive phrases,
prepositional phrases, participial
phrases, and gerund phrases.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase is a group of
words containing an infinitive and other
words that complete its meaning.
Like an infinitive, an infinitive phrase
can function as
1. a noun
2. an adjective
3. an adverb
Infinitive Phrases
If a batter wants to hit a home run, practice is
required.
Infinitive Phrases
If a batter wants to hit a home run, practice is
required.
To travel to South America is a dream of mine.
Infinitive Phrases
If a batter wants to hit a home run, practice is
required.
To travel to South America is a dream of mine.
My nephew thinks he should be able to stay up
late with the grown-ups.
Infinitive Phrases
If a batter wants to hit a home run, practice is
required.
To travel to South America is a dream of mine.
My nephew thinks he should be able to stay up
late with the grown-ups.
Do you want to rent a movie tonight?
Infinitive Phrases
If a batter wants to hit a home run, practice is
required.
To travel to South America is a dream of mine.
My nephew thinks he should be able to stay up
late with the grown-ups.
Do you want to rent a movie tonight?
Infinitive Phrases
We the people, in order to form a more perfect
union, . . . do ordain and establish this Consitution
for the United States of America.
Infinitive Phrases
We the people, in order to form a more perfect
union, . . . do ordain and establish this Consitution
for the United States of America.
To receive a Purple Heart is a great honor.
Infinitive Phrases
We the people, in order to form a more perfect
union, . . . do ordain and establish this Consitution
for the United States of America.
To receive a Purple Heart is a great honor.
I hope to live a long, full life with my family.
Infinitive Phrases
We the people, in order to form a more perfect
union, . . . do ordain and establish this Consitution
for the United States of America.
To receive a Purple Heart is a great honor.
I hope to live a long, full life with my family.
We asked Brianna to bake the brownies.
Infinitive Phrases
We the people, in order to form a more perfect
union, . . . do ordain and establish this Consitution
for the United States of America.
To receive a Purple Heart is a great honor.
I hope to live a long, full life with my family.
We asked Brianna to bake the brownies.
Infinitive Phrases vs. Prepositional Phrases
We plan to watch the fireworks on the Fourth
of July.
Infinitive Phrases vs. Prepositional Phrases
We plan to watch the fireworks on the
Fourth of July.
We are going to the concert in Seattle this
weekend.
Infinitive Phrases vs. Prepositional Phrases
We plan to watch the fireworks on the
Fourth of July.
We are going to the concert in Seattle this
weekend.
I learned to operate a fork lift yesterday.
Infinitive Phrases vs. Prepositional Phrases
We plan to watch the fireworks on the
Fourth of July.
We are going to the concert in Seattle this
weekend.
I learned to operate a fork lift yesterday.
Please walk with me to the grocery store.
Infinitive Phrases vs. Prepositional Phrases
We plan to watch the fireworks on the
Fourth of July.
We are going to the concert in Seattle this
weekend.
I learned to operate a fork lift yesterday.
Please walk with me to the grocery store.
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
In first grade, we learned to make
hats out of newspaper.
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
In first grade, we learned to make
hats out of newspaper.
direct object
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
Don’t forget to brush your teeth
before bed.
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
Don’t forget to brush your teeth
before bed.
direct object
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
To say the movie was boring is an
exaggeration.
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
To say the movie was boring is
an exaggeration.
subject
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
Although many people have to
work the next day, to stay up late is
part of the fun on New Year’s Eve.
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
Although many people have to
work the next day, to stay up late
is part of the fun on New Year’s
Eve.
subject