Infinitives As Nouns and their Functions Verbals

Standard ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.

Remember An Infinitive can act like a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. (sort of like dependent clauses)

Remember An infinitive is a NOUN when it is acting like a thing/activity. Ex. My dream is to own a llama farm.   Ex. To become a great dancer takes practice.

Infinitives as Nouns When an infinitive is acting like a noun, it can be the subject, the direct object, or the predicate noun. Good news: it won’t be an indirect object, appositive, or object of a preposition

Infinitives as Subjects usually, when a noun infinitive is at the beginning of a clause, it is a subject. Ex. To make mistakes is human. Ex. To pack for vacation can take a long time.

Infinitives as Direct Objects When an infinitive comes after an ACTION VERB, it is a direct object. Remember action verbs can be mental or physical. Ex. I like to eat pizza. Ex. I want to play video games after school.

Infinitives as Predicate Nouns when an infinitive comes after a LINKING VERB, it is a predicate noun. (Remember, linking verbs include: am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being, AND condition verbs like seems, smells, tastes, looks, etc.) Ex. Clara’s dream is to be a ballet dancer. Ex. Dora’s greatest wish is to explore. Ex. The caterpillar’s future is to be a butterfly.

Infinitives as Noun Functions Chart Subject Direct Object Predicate Noun At the beginning After an Action Verb After a Linking Verb

Decide: Subject, DO, or PN To walk on the moon looks fun and bouncy! “I want to go to the parade!” screamed the kid. Don’t forget to eat your vegetables.   Liz’s dream is to play in the WNBA. Cinderella’s wish is to go to the ball.