Infinitive sentences play a crucial role in the English language. They are constructed using the base form of a verb preceded by the word “to,” such as “to walk,” “to eat,” or “to study.” In this form, infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. Understanding how to use infinitive sentences is essential for effective communication and expressing various ideas. In this explanation, we will delve into the different functions of infinitives and provide examples to illustrate their usage.
Infinitives as Nouns:
Infinitive sentences can function as nouns within a sentence, often performing the role of the subject or the object. Let’s examine some examples:
a) To learn is important. (Subject)
b) I want to travel the world. (Object)
In example (a), “to learn” functions as the subject of the sentence, indicating the importance of acquiring knowledge. In example (b), “to travel the world” acts as the object of the verb “want,” expressing the speaker’s desire.
Infinitives as Adjectives:
Infinitives can also act as adjectives, modifying or describing nouns in a sentence. Consider the following examples:
a) She has a book to read. (Modifying a noun)
b) This is a difficult task to accomplish. (Describing a noun)
In example (a), the infinitive phrase “to read” modifies the noun “book,” specifying the purpose or use of the book. In example (b), the infinitive phrase “to accomplish” describes the noun “task,” indicating its level of difficulty.
Infinitives as Adverbs:
Infinitives can function as adverbs, providing additional information about the verb in a sentence. Here are a couple of examples:
a) He ran to catch the bus. (Expressing purpose)
b) She works hard to succeed. (Expressing result)
In example (a), the infinitive phrase “to catch the bus” functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating the purpose of the action “ran.” In example (b), the infinitive phrase “to succeed” acts as an adverbial phrase, expressing the result or intention of the action “works hard.”
Infinitives with Modifiers:
Infinitive sentences can be further modified with adverbs, adjectives, or other words to convey specific meanings. Let’s examine some examples:
a) She wanted to quickly finish her homework. (Modified with an adverb)
b) He is eager to learn new languages. (Modified with an adjective)
c) They are here to help you. (Modified with a prepositional phrase)
In example (a), the infinitive phrase “to quickly finish her homework” is modified by the adverb “quickly,” emphasizing the speed of completion. In example (b), the infinitive phrase “to learn new languages” is modified by the adjective “eager,” indicating the person’s enthusiasm. In example (c), the infinitive phrase “to help you” is modified by the prepositional phrase “here,” specifying the location of the action.
Infinitives in Passive Constructions:
Infinitives can also be used in passive constructions to express actions where the subject receives the action rather than performing it. Consider the following examples:
a) The car needs to be repaired. (Passive voice)
b) The problem is difficult to solve. (Passive voice)
In example (a), the infinitive phrase “to be repaired” is used in the passive voice, indicating that someone needs to perform the action of repairing the car. In example (b), the infinitive phrase “to solve” is also used in the passive voice, suggesting that the problem requires someone to solve it.
Conclusion:
Infinitive sentences serve various functions in English grammar, functioning as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. They can be used to express ideas, describe objects, modify nouns, or indicate purpose and result. Understanding how to use infinitives is essential for constructing clear and coherent sentences. By grasping the concept of infinitives and practicing their usage, beginners can enhance their English language skills and communicate effectively.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Identify the function of the infinitive phrase in the following sentence:
“I love to swim in the ocean.”
a) Noun
b) Adjective
c) Adverb
Answer: a) Noun
Explanation: The infinitive phrase “to swim in the ocean” functions as the direct object of the verb “love” in this sentence.
Exercise 2:
Choose the correct modifier for the infinitive phrase in the given sentence:
“She decided to _ learn French.”
a) Slowly
b) Quickly
c) Comfortably
Answer: b) Quickly
Explanation: The adverb “quickly” modifies the infinitive phrase “to learn French,” indicating the manner in which she decided to learn the language.
Exercise 3:
Identify the passive construction in the following sentence:
“The message needs to be delivered.”
a) The message needs
b) To be delivered
c) Needs to be
Answer: b) To be delivered
Explanation: The infinitive phrase “to be delivered” is used in the passive construction, indicating that someone needs to perform the action of delivering the message.
Exercise 4:
Choose the correct function of the infinitive phrase in the given sentence:
“He is excited to _ the concert.”
a) Attend
b) Attending
c) Attends
Answer: a) Attend
Explanation: The infinitive phrase “to attend the concert” functions as an adverbial phrase, expressing the purpose or intention of his excitement.
Exercise 5:
Identify the modifier in the following sentence:
“She has a book to _ read.”
a) Quickly
b) Difficult
c) Accomplish
Answer: b) Difficult
Explanation: The adjective “difficult” modifies the infinitive phrase “to read,” describing the nature of the book.
Exercise 6:
Choose the correct form of the infinitive in the given sentence:
“They agreed _ the project.”
a) Finishing
b) Finish
c) Finished
Answer: b) Finish
Explanation: The infinitive “to finish” is the correct form in this sentence, indicating the action agreed upon by “they.”
Exercise 7:
Identify the function of the infinitive phrase in the following sentence:
“To learn is a lifelong journey.”
a) Noun
b) Adjective
c) Adverb
Answer: a) Noun
Explanation: The infinitive phrase “to learn” functions as the subject of the sentence, indicating the concept or idea.
Exercise 8:
Choose the correct modifier for the infinitive phrase in the given sentence:
“She was happy to _ her family.”
a) Finally
b) Happily
c) Quietly
Answer: a) Finally
Explanation: The adverb “finally” modifies the infinitive phrase “to see her family,” indicating the long-awaited nature of the event.
Exercise 9:
Identify the passive construction in the following sentence:
“The house is ready to be sold.”
a) The house is ready
b) To be sold
c) Ready to be
Answer: b) To be sold
Explanation: The infinitive phrase “to be sold” is used in the passive construction, suggesting that the house is prepared for the action of being sold.
Exercise 10:
Choose the correct function of the infinitive phrase in the given sentence:
“They came here to _ the museum.”
a) Visit
b) Visiting
c) Visits
Answer: a) Visit
Explanation: The infinitive phrase “to visit the museum” functions as an adverbial phrase, expressing the purpose or destination of their arrival.
Originally posted 2023-09-19 21:35:53.