1. Infinitives

2. What is an infinitive? An infinitive is a to + a verb Used as
A noun- subject or direct object
An adjective
An adverb

3. Infinitives Do not confuse an infinitive with a prepositional phrase.
A infinitive is to plus a verb.
A prepositional phrase is to plus a noun or pronoun.

4. Examples Ex. I don’t want to clean my room.
Ellen is able _______ in the pool by herself.
I would be happy _________ you some help.
________ joyful in life is important.
Anna’s dream is _______ a doctor.
Mary has ________ the piano every day.
The lady honked her horn ___________ the boy’s attention.
We wanted __________ a movie.

5. Noun Examples Subject Direct Object
To exercise regularly is very important.
To learn the alphabet is essential to reading.
Direct Object
I hope to visit soon.
We want to walk a mile today.

6. Adjective Examples Remember adjectives modify nouns and pronouns
They answer what kind, which one, and how many/much
For an infinitive to be an adjective, it must come right after a noun or pronoun.
The frail old lady needed someone to cut her lawn.
The team's desire to win is very strong.

7. Adverb Examples
Remember adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs
They answer where, when, and how
With infinitives phrases, they may also answer why
The students were eager to learn about Bob's vacation.
The bus driver sounded his horn to warn the walkers.

8. Note!!
To is sometimes left out when an infinitive follows verbs such as dare, feel, hear, help, let, make, need, see, or watch.
The to is understood to be there.
They watched the ship sail.
I heard the doorbell ring.
When Margo slammed the door, she made the painting fall.