INFINITIVES & INFINITIVE PHRASES Minilesson
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN DEFINITION
A type of verbal
Formula = to + verb
Functions as a noun (subject, direct object, or subject complement), adjective, or adverb
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVES IN LITERATURE
Hamlet: To be, or not to be?
To Kill a Mockingbird
Star Trek: To boldly go
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN LET’S FIND SOME INFINITIVES! Underline the infinitive in each sentence.
1. John wanted to talk to Jim at lunch. 2. It’s rude to pick your nose in public. 3. The toddler wanted to talk about candy all day. 4. I’m going to throw a potato at you. 5. The baby tried to sneeze on my new shirt.
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN 1. John wanted to talk to Jim at lunch.
2. It’s rude to pick your nose in public.
3. The toddler wanted to talk about candy all day.
4. I’m going to throw a potato at you.
5. The baby tried to sneeze on my new shirt.
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN FUNCTION
Finding an infinitive is easy.
Determining the function of an infinitive can be confusing.
Let’s take a look at some examples…
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE AS SUBJECT
To leave seemed foolish when a hurricane was on the way.
What seemed foolish?
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE AS DIRECT OBJECT
The Cubs wanted to win the World Series.
The Cubs wanted what?
infinitive follows an action verb
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE AS SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
Her goal is to ace the final exam.
Her goal is what?
infinitive follows a linking verb
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE AS ADJECTIVE
She lacked the desire to study.
The infinitive is describing the NOUN “desire.”
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE AS ADVERB
We should practice to improve.
The infinitive is describing the VERB. It is saying why we should practice.
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN FUNCTION I.D. PRACTICE! Underline the infinitive in each sentence. Then, determine its function.
1. We all want to see the pictures of Hawaii.
2. My goal is to finish the marathon.
3. He took the class to understand the way people think.
4. She didn’t have the guts to cheat.
5. To quit after all our hard work didn’t seem right.
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN 1. We all want to see the pictures of Hawaii. (D.O. answering What? after an action verb) 2. My goal is to finish the marathon. (S.C. – P.N. answering What? after a linking verb) 3. He took the class to understand the way people think. (Adverb – why did he take the class?) 4. She didn’t have the guts to cheat. (Adjective – describes the noun “guts”) 5. To quit after all our hard work didn’t seem right. (Subject)
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN CAUTION!
Don’t confuse an infinitive with a preposition.
Both can begin with the word “to.” BUT…
Infinitive = to + verb Preposition = to + noun/pronoun (object)
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN PREPOSITION OR INFINITIVE? Determine whether the underlined words in each sentence are an infinitive or a preposition.
1. I’m so excited to go on vacation.
2. On vacation, we are going to Disney World.
3. We have to take the interstate to get there. 4. Upon arrival, we will go to our hotel room.
5. I’m so excited to sleep in a hotel!
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN 1. I’m so excited to go on vacation. (INFINITIVE) 2. On vacation, we are going to Disney World. (PREPOSITION) 3. We have to take the interstate to get there. (INFINITIVE) 4. Upon arrival, we will go to our hotel room. (PREPOSITION) 5. I’m so excited to sleep in a hotel! (INFINITIVE)
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE PHRASE
Formula = to + verb + modifiers
Examples: We tried to arrive on time. Sally wanted to give me a present.
to + verb + modifiers
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN INFINITIVE PHRASE PRACTICE Underline the infinitive phrase in each sentence. 1. Shelly wanted to ride the rollercoaster. 2. They wanted me to be the captain of the team. 3. Mom wanted to give me money. 4. To finish her job without spilling paint all over the floor is Leah’s main goal. 5. The best way to survive fifth period is to take doodling materials to class.
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN ANSWERS Sometimes it helps to find the subject and verb.
1. Shelly wanted to ride the rollercoaster. 2. They wanted me to be the captain of the team. 3. Mom wanted to give me money. 4. To finish her job without spilling paint all over the floor is Leah’s main goal. 5. The best way to survive fifth period is to take doodling materials to class.
THE READING & WRITING HAVEN