Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases

Key Notes:

What is an Infinitive?

• An infinitive is the base form of a verb usually preceded by “to”.
• It cannot act alone as a complete verb.
• Examples:
  • to run 🏃
  • to read 📖
  • to sing 🎤

💡 Remember: An infinitive looks like a verb but can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Infinitive Phrases

• An infinitive phrase is an infinitive + its modifiers and objects.
• It functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
• Examples:
  • to win the race 🏆 → “to win” is the infinitive, “the race” is the object
  • to read a scary book 📚
  • to sing loudly in the hall 🎶

💡 Tip: Look for the “to + verb” pattern and see if it has extra words describing the action.

Functions of Infinitives

Function	Example	Emoji Help
Noun	To study 📚 is important.	Acts as the subject
Adjective	I have a lot of homework to finish 📝.	Describes a noun
Adverb	She ran fast to catch the bus 🚌.	Describes a verb

How to Identify Infinitives & Infinitive Phrases

1. Look for “to + verb” ✅
2. Check if it has extra words (object/modifier) → then it’s a phrase
3. Ask what role it plays: noun, adjective, or adverb? 🤔

• Examples:
  • To travel around the world 🌍 is my dream. → Infinitive phrase (noun)
  • I have a project to complete by Monday 📅. → Infinitive phrase (adjective)
  • He woke up early to catch the train 🚆. → Infinitive phrase (adverb)

Quick Tips & Tricks

• Without “to” → it’s usually not an infinitive.
• Infinitives never act alone as the main verb; they need another verb.
• Spot the whole phrase: Look for objects, adverbs, or adjectives with the infinitive.

Fun Example Sentences to Practice:

1. I want to learn French 🇫🇷.
2. She has homework to finish before dinner 🍽️.
3. They ran to catch the ice cream truck 🍦.