~ Infinitives ~

1. ~ Infinitives ~ Objective: to identify infinitives; to use them correctly in writing; to distinguish between infinitive and prepositional phrases

2. Here’s the Idea: • Definition: An infinitive is a verb form that usually begins with the word “to” and that functions as another part of speech. • Infinitive can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. • An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive along with any modifiers. • Example: Sam has always wanted to work on his own farm.

3. Functions of Infinitives… • Infinitive can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. • If the infinitive acts as a noun, it will have a job in the sentence, just like any other noun. It can be the subject, direct object, indirect object, or predicate nominative (just like any other noun). • If the infinitive acts as an adjective, it will modify a noun or pronoun (just as any other adjective). • If the infinitive acts as an adverb, it will modify a verb, adjective, or other adverb (just as any other adverb).

4. Using Infinitives as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs…

5. Beware!! • The word to, the sign of the infinitive, can sometimes be omitted. • When you find a phrase that begins with a verb-like word, but the word is not the verb, it may be an infinitive. Check to see if a noun or pronoun follows this verbal. • Examples: • Let them (to) eat cake. • Make them all (to) wash their hands. • You ought not (to) stand like that.

6. Infinitives Vs. Prepositions… • How can you tell the difference between an infinitive phrase and a prepositional phrase that begins with to? • Remember: infinitives and prepositional phrases can both begin with the word “to.” • Tip to distinguish between infinitive and prepositional phrases: • If a verb follows to, the words (or phrase) are an infinitive. • If a noun or pronoun follows to, the words (or phrase) are a prepositional phrase. • Ex: Sam’s dog runs to distract the bulls. • Distract is a verb; therefore, to distract is an infinitive. • Ex: The dog runs to the pen. • Pen is a noun; therefore, to the pen is a prepositional phrase.

7. Identify the infinitive or infinitive phrase. • A queen bee, some drones, and many worker bees are needed to form a honeybee colony. • The queen bee’s main job is to lay eggs. • The drones, or male bees, exist only to mate. • The all-female worker bees have a lot more work to do. • They build the honeycomb as a place to raise young bees.

8. Identify the infinitive or infinitive phrase. • They also use it to store food or honey. • To make their honey, bees combine their own enzymes with nectar from flowers. • Many animals, including bears, love to eat the honey. • They are eager to raid a hive. • To protect the hive, worker bees guard its entrance.

10. Infinitives used as nouns • Find the verb • Find the infinitive • Use verb chart to decide its function • Examples: • Gary is practicing to become the best player ever. • Fred is to recite the pledge tomorrow. • To ask questions in class is important if you are having trouble.

11. Infinitive verb chart • Before verb: • Subject • Appositive • After action verb: • Direct object • Appositive • After linking verb: • Predicate noun • Appositive

12. Underline the infinitive. Write V above the verb. Write the function of the infinitive. • To read this book is a request of our teacher. • His desire was to continue his work until it was completed. • My plan, to travel to the city, was not carried out. • To write the essay was our assignment. • We wanted to see the famous monument. • Their goal is to win the game. • Did you expect to see your friend? • To go to college is her ambition. • His purpose, to reach the city before nightfall, was to achieved. • Her duty is to minimize expenses. • Her duty is to minimize expenses.

13. Underline the infinitive. Write V above the verb. Write the function of the infinitive. • To take the trip was a necessity. • To see my friend in the city was a surprise. • We asked to see the inside of the house. • The class decided to go on a picnic. • His idea, to complete the work immediately, was a good one. • Would you like to go with us? • Her advice was to leave at once. • To solve this problem is an achievement. • His warning, to be quiet, was heeded. • Jack had to go with his friends.

14. Infinitives used as adjectives & adverbs • Steps: • Find the subject & verb • Find the infinitive • Find the word modified • Determine adj or adv • The best time to visit Florida is December through April. • The gymnasts were ready to practice their routines. • If you want information about computers, that is the magazine to read. • The camel knelt at the pool to drink.

15. Write s over the subject & v over verb. Underline the infinitive phrase & circle infinitive. Write word modified & adj or adv. • They came to see our new home. • We didn't have enough gas to reach home. • Here are some books to read. • It was too dark to see plainly. • I have many lessons to learn. • We hurried to see the fire. • We were close enough to feel the heat of the flames. • The houses to paint are on the next street. • They were too late to see the show. • Our teacher showed us the way to solve the problem.

16. Write s over the subject & v over verb. Underline the infinitive phrase & circle infinitive. Write word modified & adj or adv. • The correct method to use was not given in the book. • They called to see if we would come to the meeting. • This is a book to be enjoyed. • It was an experience to remember. • Kenneth was tall enough to see over the heads of the people. • Wayne is a boy to be admired. • His accomplishments are too numerous to mention. • He has a record to be envied. • He works hard to understand his lessons. • Bo knows that they way to win is through hard work.

17. Write the infinitive phrase, circle the infinitive, and write its function. • To install the ceiling fan took two hours. • Winona’s ambition is to become a doctor. • Shina likes to skate. • After school, June and I like to walk home together. • I learned to place a small drop of oil on each link of the bicycle chain. • I don’t like to sit still when a good song is playing.