Download English I Pre-AP Language: Grammar Verbals—The Infinitive A

English I Pre-AP
Language: Grammar
Verbals—The Infinitive
A verbal is a word that is formed from a verb but acts as another part of speech. An infinitive is
a verbal that usually appears after the word to. To is called the sign of the infinitive.
to have
to play
to watch
The word to is also used as a preposition. It is a preposition if it is followed by a noun or
pronoun that is its object. To is the sign of the infinitive if a verb follows.
Prepositional Phrase
I need a ride to the game.
Everyone came to Jan’s party.
Infinitive
I am ready to eat now.
No one wanted to leave.
Because the infinitive is formed from a verb, it is like a verb in several ways. The infinitive may
have an object. It may also be modified by an adverb.
I am learning to write a story.
Story is the direct object of the infinitive to write.
Are you planning to eat soon?
Soon is an adverb modifying to eat.
An infinitive and its objects and modifiers form an infinitive phrase.
Identifying Infinitives
Underline the infinitives in the following sentences. Circle the prepositional phrases.
One sentence has no infinitives.
Example Stuart tried to swim to the raft.
1. Crop-dusters are hired to spray the fields with chemicals.
2. To forget the words to a song is an embarrassment for a singer.
3. The store was very crowded, and I couldn’t find anyone to help me.
4. One duty of the President is to direct foreign policy.
5. To become a documentary-film maker was Marcy’s ambition.
6. The order I gave to the dry cleaner was not delivered on time.
7. It takes patience to sew on silk material.
8. The desire to excel inspired the student’s best efforts.
9. Mae Jemison, the astronaut, always wanted to explore space.
10. The advertisement was designed to reach millions of consumers.
11. The graduating class plans to take a trip to the state capital.
12. Mrs. Allen’s mistake was to send the students on the trip by themselves.
13. The fragrance of the flowers was strong enough to fill the room.
14. Be sure to notify the principal about the contest’s deadline.
Using Infinitives & Infinitive Phrases
Infinitives and infinitive phrases are used (1) as nouns, (2) as adjectives, and (3) as adverbs.
Infinitives and infinitive phrases used as nouns can be used as subjects, as objects, or in other
ways that nouns are used.
Subject
To win was our only goal.
To win is the subject of was.
Object
Jeff planned to attend the concert.
To attend the contest is the direct object of planned.
Infinitives and infinitive phrases can be used as modifiers.
Adjective
These are the instructions to follow.
To follow modifies the predicate noun instructions. It answers the
question which ones?
Adverb
Dan called to ask a question.
To ask a question modifies the verb. It answers the question why?
Identifying Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
Underline the infinitive phrase in each sentence. On the line, label the function of the infinitive
or infinitive phrase in the sentence—Subject, Direct Object, Adjective, Adverb.
Example
To get tickets was impossible.
Subject
1. Baryshnikov is the dancer to watch.
____________
2. To do well on the exam demands careful study.
____________
3. Ms. Emerson is the person to ask about tutoring.
____________
4. To appreciate the music requires concentration.
____________
5. Some questions were hard to understand.
____________
6. The plan to rehab the old theater was approved.
____________
7. The builders decided to wait for warmer weather.
____________
8. Bears hibernate to survive cold winters.
____________
9. To reach the top of the mountain takes both strength and skill.
____________
10. The foreign student wanted to see the sights of the city.
____________