Infinitive

An infinitive = a verb form that can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.

The word "to" usually appears before the infinitive. 


Example:
It is important to listen.

"listen" is a verb (I listen, you listen, he/she/it listens...etc).
But now you can use it as an activity, that is, to listen


Exercise 1: Circle the infinitive in each sentence below.

1. Daniel had always been competitive. To conquer Mount Everest is his goal.
2. When he was a child, Liam was terrified to play hide-and-seek.
3. It takes great courage, foresight, and luck to succeed.
4. Stranded on a barren desert, all Tia wanted was to survive.
5. Afraid to move, Evan froze in terror as the huge cobra slithered over his left foot.

An infinitive phrase = an infinitive with

• modifiers (changes the meaning) or
• a complement (completes the action),

...all acting together as a single part of speech.

Example 1:

It is important to listen carefully.

Not simply just to listen, but to listen with care: to listen carefully.

Example 2:

It is not polite to look through the keyhole.

Not simply just to look, but to look through the keyhole.

Exercise 2: Underline the infinitive phrase in each sentence below.

1. Do I have enough change to make a phone call? 
2. Always try to proofread your paper before you turn it in. 
3. Jackie is able to swim six lengths of the pool. 
4. Little Cheryl came to play with my little brother. 
5. Would you remember to warn me if anyone comes? 
6. I would be happy to give you a ride home later. 
7. To move to a larger house would be unwise for us now. 
8. Jerry was afraid to be alone in the old house. He thought it was haunted.
9. Megan is trying to practice the piano an hour a day. 
10. To be a doctor is Ann's ambition. 
11. To win the presidency is Senator Brown's ambition. 
12. Did you have time to feed the kitten? 
13. Mr. and Mrs. Ng plan to go to Japan this summer. 
14. The mayor decided to call a press conference. 
15. James always tries to do his best. 
16. Sarah tried to paint the ceiling of her room. 
17. The guest speaker was asked to speak for half an hour. 
18. Our plan is to go to Tennessee in October. 
19. To play tennis every day is Jim's ambition for the summer.
20. Andre knows that to drive the quicksand is impossible.
21. Ben told George that he'd like to travel to Canada.  
22. We shouted at Steve to kick the football at Henry.
23. Mr Chan built a storm cellar in which to shelter during tornadoes.
24. Tyler's wish, to fly in a hot-air balloon, was finally coming true!
25. Cody and Zach tried to follow orders, but they failed miserably.
26. The students' decision, to stop by the cafe and get a cup of coffee, made them late for English class.
27. Jake was about to jump into the big tub of Jello when his mother got home.
28. After he hit the deer at the side of the road, Blake had no choice but to drive on.
29. Sean's suggestion, to give the kind lady a bunch of roses, was appreciated.
30. "Be quiet, please," said Lola to her roommate. "I want to hear the news."