Download Infinitives as Nouns - Polk School District

Infinitives As Nouns and their
Functions
Verbals
Standard
ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English grammar and
usage when writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds,
participles, infinitives) in general and their
function in particular sentences.
Remember
An Infinitive can act like a noun, an adjective,
or an adverb. (sort of like dependent clauses)
Remember
• An infinitive is a NOUN when it is acting like a
thing/activity.
Ex. My dream is to own a llama farm.
Ex. To become a great dancer takes practice.
Infinitives as Nouns
• When an infinitive is acting like a noun, it can
be the subject, the direct object, or the
predicate noun.
Good news: it won’t be an indirect object,
appositive, or object of a preposition
Infinitives as Subjects
usually, when a noun infinitive is at the
beginning of a clause, it is a subject.
Ex. To make mistakes is human.
Ex. To pack for vacation can take a long time.
Infinitives as Direct Objects
When an infinitive comes after an ACTION
VERB, it is a direct object. Remember action
verbs can be mental or physical.
Ex. I like to eat pizza.
Ex. I want to play video games after school.
Infinitives as Predicate Nouns
when an infinitive comes after a LINKING VERB,
it is a predicate noun. (Remember, linking
verbs include: am, is, are, was, were, be, been,
being, AND condition verbs like seems, smells,
tastes, looks, etc.)
Ex. Clara’s dream is to be a ballet dancer.
Ex. Dora’s greatest wish is to explore.
Ex. The caterpillar’s future is to be a butterfly.
Infinitives as Noun Functions
Chart
Subject
Direct Object
Predicate
Noun
At the
beginning
After an
Action Verb
After a
Linking Verb
Decide: Subject, DO, or PN
1. To walk on the moon looks fun and bouncy!
2. “I want to go to the parade!” screamed the
kid.
3. Don’t forget to eat your vegetables.
4. Liz’s dream is to play in the WNBA.
5. Cinderella’s wish is to go to the ball.