Infinitives

Definition

• An infinitive is the word “to” plus the base form of a verb.

• It often functions as a noun.• It can also function as an adjective or adverb.• It is not a preposition.

Formula:

•To + Verb

Infinitive Phrases

• An infinitive phrase is a group of words that includes an infinitive and any other words to complete its meaning.

• Ex) To fly a plane was her goal.• To fly is the infinitive (to + verb)• To fly a plane is the infinitive phrase.

Examples:

• I wanted to run out the door when the teacher announced a pop quiz.

• I tried to think of an excuse, but my mind drew a blank and so I was forced to baby-sit for my bratty cousin.

Non-Example

• I went to the store with my two year old brother, Jake.

• The above examples are not infinitives. “To the store” is a prepositional phrase. “two” is not “to.”

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

To ring the bell was her job.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

Harry wanted to begin the game on good footing.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

The instructor asked me to stop the car.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

Who wants to go to the zoo?

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

We need to train our dog systematically.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

To keep the lead is difficult.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

• Ever since childhood, to train dolphins was her goal.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

• To learn about infinitives can be fun.

Write the sentence. Underline the infinitive phrase. Circle the infinitive.

• The man decided to attack the sleeping bear with a squirt gun.

Participles AGAIN!

• Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Disappearing into the crowd, the thief eluded the police.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Scavenging for their meals, the gulls help to keep the beach clean.

Circle participle, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Thrilled with her test scores, Jennifer began to apply for scholarships.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

John, bored with life, set out to travel the world.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Jeff felt more comfortable with writing essays having studied grammar.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Having been angered by Jim, Tim went to confront his older brother.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

The faded t-shirt was taken to the store.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Mr. Heaton bravely combated the growling lion.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

Mr. Heaton bravely combated the growling lion, to earn the affections of his blushing bride.

Circle participles, underline participial phrases (if there is one).

To steal the delicious cupcakes became Mr. Heaton’s objective, having eaten them before.