Infinitives
Infinitive phrases Infinitives combine the word ”to” with a verb’s primary form. They can function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs in a sentence. Although infinitives use a verb’s primary form, they are not verbs.
Infinitive phrases What is a pleasure? To know him. Noun: To know him is a pleasure. What is a pleasure? To know him. “To know” is an infinitive. “To know him” is an infinitive phrase I would like to know him. “to know him” tells what I would like.
Infinitive phrases Which season is the fall? Adjective: The season to plant tulip bulbs is the fall. Which season is the fall? The season to plant tulip bulbs. To plant tulips, you need a shovel. “To plant” is an adverb. Tells “why” you need a shovel.
Infinitive phrases Why should you always proofread carefully? Adverb: To insure a good grade on your essay, always proofread carefully. Why should you always proofread carefully? To insure a good grade on your essay.
Building a sentence To build a sentence, a writer uses phrases and clauses as building blocks. Build a sentence with a partner that contains at least one infinitive phrase.