Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive is a simple verb combined with "to".
- to sleep
- to run
- to hide
You already know that "to" is a preposition. However, it's not always a preposition. Sometimes, the word "to" can signal an "additional verb" that the author is going to squeeze into the sentence.
- I want to eat.
In this sentence, "want" is the main verb. The object of "want" is "to eat". "To eat" is an infinitive phrase.
Infinitive phrases (almost) always start with the word "to". In fact, "to" is called the "sign of the infinitive".
The verb that follows "to" is always in the simple present tense. This form of the verb is called the "infinitive form" or the "dictionary form" of the verb. (In dictionaries, verbs are listed in their infinitive form).
In addition, an infinitive phrase may include objects and modifiers:
- I want to eat an oven-baked pizza.
Prepositional vs. Infinitive Phrases
When you see the word "to" in a sentence, you know that you have found a phrase. But what kind of phrase is it?
- Is it a prepositional phrase that starts with the preposition "to"?
- Or could it be an an infinitive phrase?
Fortunately, telling the two apart is easy:
- to + noun = prepositional phrase
- to + verb = infinitive phrase
I went to the store. |
"Store" is a noun; therefore, "to the store" is a prepositional phrase. |
I like to dance. |
"Dance" is a verb; therefore; "to dance" is an infinitive phrase. |
Instructions for the Quiz
Identify the underlined phrase.
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Quiz