InfinitivesInfinitive Phrases What is an infinitive An infinitive is a verbal but it is NOT the verb of the sentence An infinitive is recognized by to plus a verb Example to swim ID: 317325
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "English Language Arts 8" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
English Language Arts 8
Infinitives/Infinitive PhrasesSlide2
What is an infinitive?
An
infinitive
is a verbal , but it is NOT the verb of the sentence.
An
infinitive
is recognized by “to” plus a verb.
Example:
to swim
S V I
I want
to swim
. Slide3
What is an infinitive phrase?
An
infinitive phrase
starts with an infinitive and includes objects or modifiers.
Example
to smash the spider
S V IP
I want
to smash the spider
.Slide4
Function of Infinitives
Infinitives can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
It can be confusing to identify the function infinitives/infinitive phrases in a sentence because they are considered
verbals
, but they never function as a verb.
Infinitives/infinitive phrases function as
nouns
,
adjectives
, or
adverbs
in sentences. You may need to look at the location of the infinitive within the sentence to identify its function.Slide5
Infinitives as NOUNS
Remember that a NOUN is a thing or an idea.
If the infinitive begins a sentence and is followed by a verb, it functions as a noun.
If the infinitive can be replaced with the word "it,” it is functioning as a noun
.
The sentence will not make sense if the infinitive is removed.
Slide6
Infinitives as NOUNS
Examples:
To sleep is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift waiting tables.
S V
To sleep
is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift waiting tables.
“To sleep”
is followed by the verb "is" and functions as a noun because it is the subject of the sentence
.
“To sleep”
can be replaced with the word “it.”
It is the only thing Eli wants after his double shift.Slide7
Infinitives as ADJECTIVES
Remember that an ADJECTIVE is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun and answers the questions:
which one? what kind? and how many?
An infinitive that acts like an adjective will do the same thing. When the infinitive functions as an adjective, it usually appears after the noun it modifies. Slide8
Infinitives as ADJECTIVES
Wherever she goes, Melissa always brings a book to read in case she has a long wait.
S V N
Wherever she goes, Melissa always brings a book
to read
in case she has a long wait.
To read functions as an adjective because it modifies book. It answers, “Which book?”Slide9
Infinitives as ADVERBS
An adverb is a word that answers the questions when, where, how (sometimes why) and to what extent.
If the adverb answers the questions when, where, how or why, it will modify the verb.
If it answers the question to what extent or degree, it will modify an adjective or another adverb. Slide10
Infinitives as Adverbs
If the infinitive begins a sentence and is followed by a comma and a noun or noun phrase, it functions as an adverb.
To get good grades, Richard must study hard.
To get
good grades, Richard must study hard.
“To
get good grades”
functions as an adverb because it explains “why” Richard must study hard. Slide11
Infinitives as ADVERBS
When following a verb or noun, if the infinitive ends a sentence and could be moved to the beginning of that sentence by adding a comma, it functions as an adverb.
Example:
The library will hold a fundraiser
to re-open.
To re-open, the library will hold a fundraiser.Slide12
Let’s Practice!
Identify
the function of the following infinitives/infinitive phrases as a noun, adjective, or adverb.Slide13
#1
To love
is the greatest achievement.
Answer: NOUN
“To love” begins the sentence and is followed by the verb “is.” The infinitive is functioning as the subject of the sentence.
“To love” is not modifying any other words. “To love” can be replaced with “it.”
It is the greatest achievement.
Slide14
#2
The students must pass all finals
to graduate
.
Answer: ADVERB
“To graduate” answers “why” students must pass.
The sentence can be rearranged:
To graduate, students must pass all finals.Slide15
#3
The politician's plan
to change health care
won her many votes
.
Answer: ADJECTIVE
“To change health care” answers “what kind” of plan. Plan is a noun.Slide16
#4
To clean
the house
seemed like an impossible task
.
Answer: NOUN
“To clean the house” begins the sentence and is followed by the verb “seemed.” The infinitive is functioning as the subject of the sentence.
“To clean” is not modifying any other words. “To clean the house” can be replaced with “it.”
It seemed like an impossible task.Slide17
#5
The inspector came
to check
the pipes for leaks
.
Answer: ADVERB
“To check the pipes for leaks” answers “why” the inspector came.
The sentence can be rearranged:
To check the pipes for leaks, the inspector came.Slide18
Infinitives in Writing
To split or not to split
?
The
general rule is that no word should separate the "to" of an infinitive from the simple form of the verb that follows. If a word does come between these two components, a split infinitive results. Look at the example that follows:
Wrong:
Sara hopes
to quickly finish
her chemistry homework so that she can return to the more interesting Stephen King novel she had to abandon.
Right:
Sara hopes
to finish
her chemistry homework quickly so that she can return to the more interesting Stephen King novel she had to abandon.