Infinitive Phrases and Sentences
Infinitive phrases and sentences are groups of words that combine an infinitive verb and objects. The infinitive phrase, when used as a noun, adjective or adverb is preceded by the word ‘to.’ Infinitives are formed with the verb ‘to’, together with the PRESENT TENSE of a VERB:
Infinitive phrases and sentences contain a verb, which, when used as a noun, adjective or adverb, is preceded by the word ‘to.’ When the infinitive follows some verbs as the direct object, the word ‘to’ may be dropped. For example: He helped (to) move the car. Let’s look at some infinitive phrase examples.
Infinitives and Examples of Usage
- She offered to buy the vase.
Noun. Infinitive: To buy …(direct noun object) the goods
- To see clearly, she reached for her glasses.
Adverb. Infinitive: To see clearly, … (modifying verb) reached for.
- Let’s ask which road to take.
Adjective Infinitive: To take … (adjective modifying noun) road.
When an infinitive phrase breaks the sentence, a comma is used between the 2 phrases.
Check out a fun You Tube Lesson on Infinitives