English Language Arts
Grade 11
15 min
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Accurately identify infinitives and their complete phrases within complex sentences.
Differentiate between an infinitive phrase and a prepositional phrase beginning with 'to'.
Classify the grammatical function of an infinitive phrase as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
Analyze how authors use infinitive phrases to create specific stylistic effects, such as conveying purpose or creating concise expression.
Construct original sentences that correctly employ infinitive phrases in all three grammatical functions.
Recognize and evaluate the use of split infinitives for emphasis or clarity in formal and informal writing.
Ever wonder what gives a phrase like 'To be, or not to be' its timeless power? 🧐 That simple 'to + verb' str...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VerbalA word formed from a verb but functioning as a different part of speech (a noun, adjective, or adverb). There are three types: infinitives, gerunds, and participles.In the sentence 'His goal is to win,' the word 'to win' is a verbal.
InfinitiveThe most basic form of a verb, typically preceded by the word 'to'. It is the foundational unit of an infinitive phrase.to run, to think, to analyze, to be
Infinitive PhraseAn infinitive combined with its objects, complements, and/or modifiers. The entire phrase functions together as a single part of speech.to read the book quickly
Infinitive as NounAn infinitive or infinitive phrase that functions as a subject, direct object, or predicate nominative in a sentence.She wants to write a novel....
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Infinitive Formula
to + [base form of verb]
This is the fundamental structure of an infinitive. Always look for the word 'to' immediately followed by a verb in its simplest form (e.g., 'run', not 'ran' or 'running'). This is the core of any infinitive phrase.
The Function Test
Ask: 'What is this phrase doing in the sentence?'
To determine the function, ask clarifying questions. If it answers 'what?' after the verb, it's likely a noun (e.g., 'He wants what? To succeed.'). If it answers 'which one?' or 'what kind?' about a noun, it's an adjective (e.g., 'The plan which one? The plan to succeed.'). If it answers 'why?', 'how?', or 'for what...
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Challenging
One learning objective is to analyze how authors use infinitive phrases for stylistic effect. In Henry David Thoreau's 'I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately,' how does the infinitive phrase 'to live deliberately' contribute to the sentence's style?
A.It functions as an adjective, adding descriptive detail to 'woods'.
B.It creates a complex, academic tone by using a verbal.
C.It provides a concise and purposeful explanation for the main action, conveying a strong sense of intent.
D.It acts as a split infinitive, creating a modern and informal rhythm.
Challenging
Consider the sentence: 'The director chose to subtly hint at the villain's backstory rather than reveal it outright.' According to the tutorial, the use of the split infinitive 'to subtly hint' is best justified as:
A.grammatical error that should be corrected to 'to hint subtly'.
B.stylistic choice that places emphasis on the manner of the action ('subtly') for clarity and impact.
C.way to make the sentence longer and more formal for an academic audience.
D.An unavoidable construction because the adverb cannot be placed anywhere else.
Challenging
Which of the following sentences contains an infinitive phrase that functions as a noun?
A.He lacked the strength to finish the marathon.
B.The team arrived early to practice their plays.
C.She has a lot of homework to do.
D.To forgive one's enemies requires immense character.
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