Functions of Infinitives

Functions of Infinitives

Infinitives

an infinitive is a verbal formed by placing "to" in front of the simple present form of a verb. Infinitives function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Examples:

- to run

- to dance

- to sing

Adjectival Infinitives (act like adjectives)

• Always describe a noun or pronoun

• Always comes after the noun it modifies

• Example: This is the best time to start.

Adverbial Infinitives (act like adverbs)

• Always describe a verb, adjective, or other adverb

• Usually placed at the beginning or end of a sentence

• Does not need to be placed next to the verb it describes

• Example: To win, you need the highest number of points.

• Example: You need the highest number of points to win.

HINT

You can often identify an adverbial infinitive by inserting the words "in order" in front of infinitive. If the words in order make sense, the infinitive is acting like an adverb.

Fill in the Blank

Identify the infinitive in this sentence:

Wherever Melissa goes, she always brings a book to read in anticipation of boring conversation or a long wait.

Multiple Choice

How does the infinitive function in this sentence?

Wherever Melissa goes, she always brings a book to read in anticipation of boring conversation or a long wait.

• Adverb

• Adjective

• Verb

• Noun

Infinitive Phrases

An infinitive phrase is an infinitive with any complements or modifiers needed to complete its meaning, all acting together as a single part of speech.

Infinitive Phrases

An infinitive phrase is an infinitive with any complements or modifiers needed to complete its meaning, all acting together as a single part of speech.

Examples of Infinitive Phrases

• The first attempt to build the Panama Canal ended in failure. (Adjectival)

• We nailed plywood on the store windows to prepare for the storm. (Adverbial)

  
  

Fill in the Blank

Identify the infinitive phrase in the following sentence:

Lucy hopes to win the approval of her mother by switching her major from fine arts to pre-medicine.

Multiple Choice

How does the infinitive phrase function in this sentence?

Lucy hopes to win the approval of her mother by switching her major from fine arts to pre-medicine.

• noun

• adjective

• adverb

• verb

Infinitives Acting As Nouns

• Like all nouns, an infinitive that acts as a noun can take the role of a subject, direct object, subject complement, and object of the preposition.

• Infinitive Phrase as Subject: To climb Mt. Everest was my greatest ambition. 

• Infinitive Phrase as Direct Object: At one time, I attempted to climb Mt. Everest. 

• Infinitive Phrase as Subject Complement: My greatest ambition is to climb Mt. Everest.

• Infinitive Phrase as Object of Preposition: Ryan had no choice except to run away. 

HINT

If you can replace the infinitive phrase with the word “it” and the sentence still makes sense, then that is a good indication that the infinitive phrase is acting as a noun. 

Fill in the Blank

Identify the infinitive phrase in this sentence:

To finish her shift without spilling a drink onto a customer's lap is Michelle's only goal tonight.

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the infinitive phrase in this sentence?

To finish her shift without spilling a drink onto a customer's lap is Michelle's only goal tonight.

• adjective

• adverb

• noun

• verb

Poll

How well do you think you can find infinitive phrases AND identify their function (noun, adj., etc.)?

• 1 - not well at all

• 2 - somewhat well, but I need more practice

• 3 - very well, I've had enough practice to do this on my own