Verbs: Infinitives

Infinitives

An infinitive is made up of “to” plus a verb (ex: to sing, to drive, to talk). Most of the time you’ll see infinitives used as nouns, but sometimes they are used as adjectives or adverbs.

To + verb= infinitive

How to identify an infinitive:

• Identify the main verb in the sentence. It is important to do this, so that you do not mistake the infinitive for the main verb.
• Find the infinitive (to + verb)
• Now that you have identified the infinitive, distinguish whether the infinitive functions as an adjective, noun, or adverb in the sentence.

If an infinitive functions as an adjective, it will come after a noun, as well as describe the noun.

Example:

The book to read is The Hunger Games.

Book is the noun, “to read” is the infinitive, and since it comes after the noun it functions as an adjective.

If an infinitive functions as a noun, you can replace the infinitive phrase with the question, “what?”  

Note: An infinitive phrase is a group of words that includes the infinitive, as well as other words, in order to complete its meaning.

Example:

I love to dance in my room. (I love what? To dance in my room).

If an infinite functions as an adverb you can replace the infinitive phrase with the questions: when, where, why, how, or to what extent?

Example:

Holly called to say hello. (Holly called why? To say hello).