The Infinitive

They [almost] always start with “To”

What is an infinitive?

A verb form that can be used as:

1. Noun

2. Adjective

3. adverb

What does it look like?

Think of it like this:

To + verb = infinitive!

Example of an infinitive:

To install the ceiling fan took two hours.

{here it’s being used as the subject of a sentence}

Here’s another one…

Shina likes to skate but not to ski.

{Here we see an infinitive acting as direct objects of the verb “likes”}

And another!

Winona’s ambition is to become a doctor.

{here we see an infinitive acting as a predicate nominative}

Here’s two just modifying:

The best time to visit Florida is December through April.

(modifying “time”)

If you want information about computers, that is the magazine to read.

(modifying “magazine”)

Here are some infinitives acting as adverbs:

The gymnasts were ready to practice their routines.

(modifying “ready”)

The camel knelt at the pool to drink.

(modifying “knelt”)

F.Y.I.

DO NOT split your infinitives, such as “to boldly go”

Infinitives ARE NOT the main verb of the sentence

Infinitives ARE NOT prepositional phrases

Infinitive or prepositional phrase?

I handed the vase to my brother.

Yes! Prepositional phrase!

Is she ready to swim?

Yes! Infinitive!

Practice: Where are the infinitives?1. To visit the pyramids in Egypt would be exciting.2. Laurie said that the best place to go on Friday is

the roller rink.3. Elaine wants to be a writer after she graduates.4. The idea to remember is that an infinitive is a

verb form.5. The neatly chopped tomatoes were ready to go

into the salad.6. The clerk gave the sack of groceries to him.7. Emile read the article to find information about

Korea.

QUESTIONS??