© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives INFINITIVES

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives Recognize an infinitive when you see one. To sneeze, to smash, to cry, to shriek, to jump, to read, to eat, to slurp—all of these are infinitives. An infinitive will almost always begin with to followed by the simple form of the verb, like this: TO + VERB = INFINITIVE Important Note: Because an infinitive is not a verb, you cannot add s, es, ed, or ing to the end. Ever! Infinitives can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Examples: To sleep is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift waiting tables at the neighborhood café. To sleep functions as a noun because it is the subject of the sentence.

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives Recognize an infinitive even when it is missing the ’To’. An infinitive will almost always begin with to. Exceptions do occur, however. An infinitive will lose its to when it follows certain verbs. These verbs are feel, hear, help, let, make, see, and watch. The pattern looks like this: S PECIAL V ERB + D IRECT O BJECT + I NFINITIVE - TO Examples: Because Freddie had never touched a snake, I removed the cover of the cage and let him pet Squeeze, my seven-foot python. Let = special verb; him = direct object; pet = infinitive minus the to.

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives USES OF THE INFINITIVES RULE 1 The Infinitives with or without adjuncts, may be used, like a noun- As the subject of a verb; as, Examples To find fault is easy. To err is human. RULE 2 As the Object of a transitive Verb; as, Examples I do not mean to read. He likes to play cards.

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives RULE 3 As the Complement of a Verb; as, Examples Her greatest pleasure is to sing. His custom is to ride daily. RULE 4 As the object of the preposition; as, Examples He had no choice but to obey. The speaker is about to begin. RULE 5 As the objective complement; as, Examples I saw him go.

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives An infinitive can also be used to qualify a Verb: ( E.g.)He called to see my brother. We eat to live. An infinitive can also be used to qualify an Adjective: (E.g.) The figs are good to eat. The boys are anxious to learn. An infinitive can also be used to qualify a Noun: (E.g.) This is not the time to play. He is a man to be admired. An infinitive can also be used to qualify a sentence: (E.g.)To tell the truth, I quiet forget my promise.

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives Try this! Complete the phrases with to +verb or a verb base only by using the bracket clues: 1)The conductor makes his musicians………in tune(play). 2)My parents want…………….classical music. (me/listen to). 3)They won’t……...me….……to the Zenith.(let/go) 4)I’d like…………an instrument(play). 5)You’d better………CD’s.(buy)

© 2016 albert-learning.com Infinitives Reviewed By Reviewed On Comments / Changes Made Anisha N.A. Jinal N/A