Lesson 2.11: Infinitive Phrases - "To" + Verb

Lesson 2.11: Infinitive Phrases - "To" + Verb

Infinitive Phrases: "To" Plus Action!

An infinitive is the base form of a verb with the word "to" in front of it (like *to swim*, *to read*, *to dance*). An infinitive phrase is a phrase built around an infinitive. It includes the infinitive and any modifiers or objects associated with it. Infinitive phrases are versatile – they can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in sentences.

Think of an infinitive phrase as expressing an action or state in a general or potential way, often indicating purpose, possibility, or something yet to be done. It's the "to do" form of a verb, expanded into a phrase.

Key Characteristics of Infinitive Phrases:

  • Starts with "To" + Base Verb: The phrase always begins with the infinitive form of a verb (to + verb).
  • Versatile Functions: Unlike gerund phrases (which only act as nouns), infinitive phrases can function as:
    • Nouns: Acting as subjects, objects, complements.
    • Adjectives: Modifying nouns.
    • Adverbs: Modifying verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
  • Can Have Modifiers and Objects: An infinitive phrase can include:
    • Objects of the Infinitive: The thing being acted upon by the infinitive verb (e.g., *to read books*, *to eat pizza*).
    • Adverbs Modifying the Infinitive: Describing the verb action (e.g., *to swim quickly*, *to sing loudly*).
    • Prepositional Phrases: Adding context or location to the infinitive action (e.g., *to run in the park*, *to cook for friends*).
    • Adjectives (Less Common): Can sometimes describe nouns related to the infinitive action (e.g., *a place to relax*).

Forming Infinitive Phrases: To + Base Verb + Modifiers/Objects (Optional)

The basic structure is "to" + base form of the verb, and then you can optionally add related words to expand the phrase.

Examples of Infinitive Phrases (Infinitive phrase underlined, infinitive in bold):

  • "To swim in the ocean is my dream." (Infinitive phrase as subject, acting as a noun. Infinitive: **To swim**. Prepositional phrase modifier: *in the ocean*.)
  • "She wants to read more novels this year." (Infinitive phrase as object of verb "wants", acting as a noun. Infinitive: **to read**. Adverb modifier: *more*. Object of infinitive: *novels*. Time modifier: *this year*.)
  • "He needs to study harder." (Infinitive phrase as object of verb "needs", acting as a noun. Infinitive: **to study**. Adverb modifier: *harder*.)
  • "The best way to learn English is practice." (Infinitive phrase as adjective, modifying "way". Infinitive: **to learn**. Object of infinitive: *English*.)
  • "She went to the library to study for her exam." (Infinitive phrase as adverb of purpose, modifying verb "went". Infinitive: **to study**. Prepositional phrase modifier: *for her exam*.)
  • "It is important to be polite." (Infinitive phrase as subject complement after "is", acting as a noun. Infinitive: **to be**. Adjective complement: *polite*.)
  • "He is happy to help." (Infinitive phrase as adverb, modifying adjective "happy". Infinitive: **to help**.)

Functions of Infinitive Phrases: Noun, Adjective, and Adverb Roles

Infinitive phrases have a wide range of functions:

  • Noun Functions:
    • Subject: "To travel the world is her ambition."
    • Subject Complement: "His goal is to become a doctor."
    • Direct Object of a Verb: "They decided to postpone the meeting."
    • Appositive (Less Common): "His intention, to apologize sincerely, was clear."
  • Adjective Function:
    • Modifying Nouns: "She needs a book to read on the plane." (modifies "book")
    • "He is looking for a place to live." (modifies "place")
  • Adverb Functions:
    • Purpose (Modifying Verbs): "I study English to improve my career prospects." (modifies "study" - why study?)
    • Modifying Adjectives: "She was eager to please her parents." (modifies "eager")
    • Modifying Adverbs: "He ran quickly to catch the bus." (modifies "quickly" - why run quickly?)

Infinitive Phrases vs. Prepositional Phrases with "to":

Be careful not to confuse infinitive phrases with prepositional phrases that also start with "to." In prepositional phrases, "to" is a preposition, followed by a noun or pronoun (object of the preposition). In infinitive phrases, "to" is part of the infinitive verb form.

  • Infinitive Phrase: "I want to go." ("to go" - infinitive phrase, "go" is a verb)
  • Prepositional Phrase: "I went to the store." ("to the store" - prepositional phrase, "store" is a noun, object of preposition "to")

Infinitives for Purpose and Possibility

Infinitive phrases are often used to express:

  • Purpose: Why someone does something (often adverbial infinitive phrases). (e.g., "She studies hard to get good grades.")
  • Possibility or Potential: (often infinitive phrases as nouns). (e.g., "To succeed requires effort.")

Key takeaway: Infinitive phrases are built around "to + base verb" and are incredibly versatile, functioning as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Understanding infinitive phrases and their different roles expands your ability to express purpose, possibility, and add variety to your sentences. Next, we will explore Participial Phrases!