Download The infinitive phrase is part of the VERBAL family. That means that in

Student Handout
The infinitive phrase is part of the VERBAL family. That means that in the infinitive phrase, there is a
word that is USUALLY a verb, but in this case, it is not performing as a verb in the sentence. Infinitives
are so easy to spot, because they always begin with the word TO. After TO is a VERB!
I wanted to swim.
The subject of the sentence: I
The verb in the sentence: wanted
Infinitive phrase: to swim. The word “swim” is usually a verb. I swim daily. I like swimming. We swam
yesterday. But in this case, the words “to swim” are working together telling what “I” wanted. (so in
this case, the infinitive phrase is a direct object)
Let’s practice: Find the infinitive phrase.
1. I needed to wash my uniform for tomorrow’s game. (noun—direct object)
2. I wanted to send an email to my teacher and ask for an extra day on the assignment. (noun—direct
object)
3. To sleep is the only thing I wanted at the moment. (noun—subject)
4. To sing at the Muny was her only ambition. (noun—subject)
5. She always has a book to read. (adjective)
6. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. (adjective)
7. Sam raised his hand to answer the question. (adverb)
8. Glenda volunteered to help at the rescue mission. (adverb)
Infinitive or Preposition? If the phrase includes a verb, then it’s an infinitive. If it ends in a noun, it’s a
preposition. Underline the prepositional phrases. Put brackets […] around infinitive phrases.
1. He went to the store to buy some eggs.
2. I drove to the park to play ball.
3. Elizabeth handed me the key to the room to unlock the door.
4. Claire walked to the locker to find her books.
5. Joann sprinted to the pool to find her sister, Kate.
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Interactive Notebook page
Part of the VERBAL family. That means it has a word that is USUALLY a verb, but
in this case, it acts like something else.
An infinitive can be a noun, adjective, or adverb.
An infinitive phrase starts with the word TO. (to swim, to swim with the dolphins, to run, to run with the bulls)
Any words that go with the infinitive are part of the infinitive phrase—even
when it’s a prepositional phrase! (to swim with the dolphins)
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Name_________________________
PRACTICE
Infinitive or preposition?
1. To think
______________________________
2. To the store
______________________________
3. To school
______________________________
4. To remember
______________________________
5. To sing
______________________________
6. To believe
______________________________
7. To home
______________________________
8. To swing
______________________________
9. To his car
______________________________
10. To laugh
______________________________
Use three of the infinitives above to create your own sentences. Can you write one for each function? (noun, adjective, adverb)
1.__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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