Infinitives

English 7

Language Network

Quick Review…

Q: What is a gerund? A: A verb form that serves as a noun Example:

Running can be good exercise. Q: What is a participle? A: A verb form that serves as an adjective.

Example: The running boy injured himself. Q: What do gerunds and participles have in

common? A: The are both verbals

Infinitives

The third type of verbal is called an infinitive. An infinitive is a verb form that usually begins

with the word to and that acts as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Example: Bob wants to attend LSU.

Just a reminder…

A noun= a person, place, thing or idea An adjective= a word that modifies a noun or

pronoun An adverb= a word that modifies a verb.

Example of an infinitive as a noun:To operate the motorcycle, Tim must really

concentrate.

Example of an infinitive as an adjective:They can be difficult vehicles to operate.

Example of an infinitive as an adverb:However, the experienced drivers concentrate to

receive the benefits of riding.

How can you tell the difference between an infinitive and a prepositional phrase that begins with to?

If a verb follows to, the words are an infinitive. If a noun or pronoun follows to, it is a prepositional

phrase. Example of an infinitive: The students sing to annoy Mrs. Turner. ^ verb Example of a prepositional phrase: The boy sings to Mrs. Turner. ^ noun

Tip…

Infinitives are often used to talk about goals, dreams, and wishes.

Examples:

The girls want to watch American Idol tonight.

The boy wants to play football.

Practice… Identify the Infinitives

Karen and Saul hope to win the contest. to win Lillian likes to buy pink shoes. To buy Bob went to school yesterday. Gotcha! To school is a prepositional phrase since

school is a noun and not a verb. Karen tried to sing like Beyonce. To sing

More Practice… Infinitive or Prepositional Phrase???

The boys like to play sports. Infinitive The people went to church. Prepositional phrase Beyonce tried to dance after she fell. Infinitive The old people like to eat at Cracker Barrel. Infinitive Bob ran to his mother. Prepositional phrase

Watch This…

Lights!!!

Open your textbook to p.175.

--.