IT ’S ALL UP TO “TO”

Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive

form of a verb that (generally) appears with the word TO in front of it, ACTS like a noun, adjective or adverb in the sentence

To be or not to be, that is the question.To err is human. To forgive is divine.

Infinitive as “Nouns”

How is the infinitive functioning in each sentence?

To understand life requires maturity and acceptance.

To skate on the ice is not easy. The peasants decided to rebel.

The soldier’s only hope was to surrender.You have only one choice, to stay.

Infinitive as Modifiers

Is the infinitive functioning as an adj. or an adv.?

What word is it modifying?

The children showed a willingness to cooperate.

The wood is hard to saw rapidly or with precision.

Please help me to leave this place now!

Prepositional Phrase or Infinitive?

Prepositional phrase the word “to” is always followed by a noun or noun phrase

Infinitive the word “to” is always followed by a verb

Prepositional Phrase or Infinitive?

1. The soldier listened to the command.2. A general’s role in the army is to command.3. We took the computer to the back of the

room.4. Make sure to back up your computer so you

won’t lose data.

Infinitive Phrases

Just like gerunds and participles, infinitives can be combined with modifiers into infinitive phrases

Consider the whole phrase when determining the function of the phrase in the sentence.

Infinitive Phrases

1. Jeffrey’s family likes to eat early.

2. To skate on the ice is not easy.

3. He hated to leave New York City.

4. They promised to show us the pictures from their trip.

Weird Infinitives

Sometimes infinitives do not include the word“to”. If an infinitive follows one of the followingwords, the to is generally omitted.

dare help make seehear let please watch

She doesn’t dare go without permission.Help me leave this place now.

John helped Sam extinguish the fire.

Identify the Infinitive Phrases

1. I need to get some sleep.2. To sleep late on Saturday is impossible in

my house.3. To win the championship was our only

desire.4. Would you like to ride bikes?5. He had a research report to write.6. To read one book a month is my goal.7. I want her to determine her own goals.What is the function of the IP in each sentence?

Diagramming Infinitive Phrases

Find the infinitive.Place “to” on an angled line. Add the verb on a horizontal line next to it.

Diagram remaining parts of the phrase as you would in any sentence.

Draw a forked line to connect your infinitive phrase to the rest of your sentence.

Add modifiers as needed.

I can haz grammar!