ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 8 Infinitives/Infinitive Phrases

What is an infinitive? An infinitive is a verbal, but it is NOT the verb of the sentence. An infinitive is recognized by “to” plus a verb. Example:  to swim S V I  I want to swim.

What is an infinitive phrase? An infinitive phrase starts with an infinitive and includes objects or modifiers. Example  to smash the spider S V IP  I want to smash the spider.

Function of Infinitives Infinitives can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. It can be confusing to identify the function infinitives/infinitive phrases in a sentence because they are considered verbals, but they never function as a verb. Infinitives/infinitive phrases function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in sentences. You may need to look at the location of the infinitive within the sentence to identify its function.

Infinitives as NOUNS  Remember that a NOUN is a thing or an idea.  If the infinitive begins a sentence and is followed by a verb, it functions as a noun.  If the infinitive can be replaced with the word "it,” it is functioning as a noun.  The sentence will not make sense if the infinitive is removed.

Infinitives as NOUNS Examples:  To sleep is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift waiting tables. S V  To sleep is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift waiting tables.  “To sleep” is followed by the verb "is" and functions as a noun because it is the subject of the sentence.  “To sleep” can be replaced with the word “it.” It is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift.

Infinitives as ADJECTIVES  Remember that an ADJECTIVE is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun and answers the questions: which one? what kind? and how many?  An infinitive that acts like an adjective will do the same thing. When the infinitive functions as an adjective, it usually appears after the noun it modifies.

Infinitives as ADJECTIVES  Wherever she goes, Melissa always brings a book to read in case she has a long wait. S V N  Wherever she goes, Melissa always brings a book to read in case she has a long wait.  To read functions as an adjective because it modifies book. It answers, “Which book?”

Infinitives as ADVERBS An adverb is a word that answers the questions when, where, how (sometimes why) and to what extent. If the adverb answers the questions when, where, how or why, it will modify the verb. If it answers the question to what extent or degree, it will modify an adjective or another adverb.

Infinitives as Adverbs If the infinitive begins a sentence and is followed by a comma and a noun or noun phrase, it functions as an adverb. To get good grades, Richard must study hard.  “To get good grades” functions as an adverb because it explains “why” Richard must study hard.

Infinitives as ADVERBS When following a verb or noun, if the infinitive ends a sentence and could be moved to the beginning of that sentence by adding a comma, it functions as an adverb. Example: The library will hold a fundraiser to re-open. To re-open, the library will hold a fundraiser.

Let’s Practice! Identify the function of the following infinitives/infinitive phrases as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

#1 To love is the greatest achievement. Answer: NOUN “To love” begins the sentence and is followed by the verb “is.” The infinitive is functioning as the subject of the sentence. “To love” is not modifying any other words. “To love” can be replaced with “it.”  It is the greatest achievement.

#2 The students must pass all finals to graduate. Answer: ADVERB “To graduate” answers “why” students must pass. The sentence can be rearranged:  To graduate, students must pass all finals.

#3 The politician's plan to change health care won her many votes. Answer: ADJECTIVE “To change health care” answers “what kind” of plan. Plan is a noun.

#4 To clean the house seemed like an impossible task. Answer: NOUN “To clean the house” begins the sentence and is followed by the verb “seemed.” The infinitive is functioning as the subject of the sentence. “To clean” is not modifying any other words. “To clean the house” can be replaced with “it.”  It seemed like an impossible task.

#5 The inspector came to check the pipes for leaks. Answer: ADVERB “To check the pipes for leaks” answers “why” the inspector came. The sentence can be rearranged:  To check the pipes for leaks, the inspector came.

Infinitives in Writing To split or not to split? The general rule is that no word should separate the "to" of an infinitive from the simple form of the verb that follows. If a word does come between these two components, a split infinitive results. Look at the example that follows:  Wrong: Sara hopes to quickly finish her chemistry homework so that she can return to the more interesting Stephen King novel she had to abandon.  Right: Sara hopes to finish her chemistry homework quickly so that she can return to the more interesting Stephen King novel she had to abandon.