What Is an Infinitive Phrase?

What is an Infinitive Phrase?

An infinitive phrase starts with an infinitive (to + base form of the verb) and includes any complements or modifiers.

For example, "to read a book" and "to run quickly" are simple infinitive phrases. The basic structure is the infinitive form of the verb followed by additional words to complete the idea.

Examples:

• "To bake a cake requires precision."

• "She loves to play the piano."

• "They decided to travel to Europe."

Types of Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive phrases can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Noun Infinitive Phrase: Functions as a subject or object in a sentence.

• Examples: "To learn English is important." / "He wants to succeed."

Adjective Infinitive Phrase: Modifies a noun, providing more information about it.

• Examples: "She has a paper to write." / "This is the book to read."

Adverb Infinitive Phrase: Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, explaining why or how.

• Examples: "He paused to think." / "She ran fast to win."

Each type functions differently within a sentence. Noun infinitive phrases can be subjects or objects, adjective infinitive phrases modify nouns, and adverb infinitive phrases modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Functions of Infinitive Phrases in Sentences

Infinitive phrases can serve various roles in sentences, enhancing the clarity and detail of your expression.

Subject: The infinitive phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.

• Examples: "To speak fluently is the goal." / "To eat healthily is crucial."

Object: The infinitive phrase acts as the direct object of the verb.

• Examples: "She wants to learn more." / "They hope to improve."

Complement: The infinitive phrase completes the meaning of a subject complement.

• Examples: "Her dream is to travel the world." / "His task is to clean the room."

Common Mistakes with Infinitive Phrases

Learners often make errors with infinitive phrases, such as splitting the infinitive (placing words between "to" and the verb) or using incorrect verb forms. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

Common Mistake 1: Splitting the Infinitive

• Incorrect: "She wants to quickly learn."

• Correct: "She wants to learn quickly."

Common Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Verb Form

• Incorrect: "To reads books help."

• Correct: "To read books helps."

Common Mistake 3: Misplacing the Infinitive Phrase

• Incorrect: "I told him to not be late."

• Correct: "I told him not to be late."

Practice and Exercises

Here are some exercises to help you practice identifying and using infinitive phrases:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. "He plans ______________ (to visit) the museum."

2. "They hope ______________ (to win) the game."

3. "She needs ______________ (to find) her keys."

Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences to Correct the Infinitive Phrase

1. "She decided to, without delay, finish her work."

2. "To write essays are difficult."

3. "They want to, immediately, start the project."

Exercise 3: Error Correction

1. "To swim fastly is challenging."

2. "To finishes the report on time, he worked late."

3. "She told me to not forget the meeting."

Answers:

1. "He plans to visit the museum." / "They hope to win the game." / "She needs to find her keys."

2. "She decided to finish her work without delay." / "To write essays is difficult." / "They want to start the project immediately."

3. "To swim fast is challenging." / "To finish the report on time, he worked late." / "She told me not to forget the meeting."

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