Infinitive Phrase
Before discussing the
infinitive phrase, it is important to know what a phrase is.
Phrase
A phrase is a group of
words without a subject and verb used as a single part of speech.
- My brother bought a new car.
“My brother” is a group of
words that does not have a subject and a verb. This group is used as a single
part of speech in this sentence. When we replace it with the word “John”, it
gives the same meaning.
Infinitive
An infinitive is a
non-finite verb that does not show an action. We can use it as a noun,
adjective, or adverb. An infinitive cannot be conjugated by adding any suffix.
We don’t use it as a main verb. It is always used in its original form.
- I want to teach you English this year.
Definition of Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive phrase is a
phrase that has an infinitive plus any modifiers or complements.
- To become a teacher is a respectable profession.
“To become a teacher” is an infinitive phrase. It consists of the infinitive “to become”, the modifier “a”, and the complement “teacher”.
Examples of Infinitive Phrases
- To sell online is a new trend.
- I met Mr. John to discuss the issue.
- The car to drive fast is a familiar thing.
- To be successful, you have to work hard.
- I want to have a standard life.
- I ordered him to write a letter.
- It is easy to sell things online.
- The person to call now may not answer the phone.
- It was a happy moment for her to see me.
- She intends to marry Mr. John.
- To start a new business, you must have enough money.
Functions of Infinitive Phrase
There are three functions
of an infinitive phrase. It is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Noun Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive phrase has
three functions. One of them is as a noun. We know an infinitive can be used as
a noun. Similarly, an infinitive phrase can also be used as a noun.
- To teach English has become my passion.
“To teach English” is the subject; its function is as a noun.
Adjective Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive phrase like
an adjective can modify a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
- It is the best way to sign an agreement with him.
The infinitive phrase “to
sign an agreement with him” modifies the noun “way”, so it is used as an
adjective.
Adverb Infinitive Phrase
The third function of an
infinitive phrase is as an adverb. It can function just like an adverb.
- I will study hard to secure good marks.
The infinitive phrase “to
secure good marks” modifies the verb “study” and answers the question with why.
It is used as an adverb.
How do you identify an infinitive phrase?
Infinitives are categorized
into three groups. 1. Full infinitive 2. Bare infinitive 3. Split infinitive
Identify an Infinitive
The first step in identifying an infinitive phrase is to find an infinitive in a sentence. Remember that
there are three types of infinitives full infinitives, bare infinitives, and
split infinitives.
Full Infinitive: Look for
the word to + base form of the verb.
Bare Infinitive: Look for
a verb followed by a model verb, a verb that does not follow any tense, or
verbs used after verbs of perception or verbs (let, have, bid, and make).
Split Infinitive: Look for
the word to + adverb + base form of the verb.
Identify Any Complement
An infinitive phrase can
have a complement, so look for a complement if any infinitive has in a
sentence.
Identify Any Modifier
An infinitive phrase can
have modifiers, so find out any modifiers of an infinitive in a sentence.
When you have an infinitive
and a complement or any modifiers in a sentence, the group of words they form
is an infinitive phrase.
- I want to study math.
- Infinitive = to study
- Complement = math
- Modifier = Nil
The phrase is infinitive.
- I want to study a new course.
- Infinitive = to study
- Complement = course
- Modifier = a new
The phrase is infinitive.
- I want to study.
- Infinitive = to study
- Complement = Nil
- Modifier = Nil
There is not an infinitive
phrase in the sentence.
- She can drive a car.
- Infinitive = drive
- Complement = car
- Modifier = a
The phrase is infinitive.
- They have been playing hockey since morning.
- Infinitive = Nil
- Complement = Nil
- Modifier = Nil
There is not an infinitive phrase in the sentence.
Split Infinitive and Infinitive Phrase
A split infinitive is
formed by using words between to and verb. When a split infinitive has a
complement or any modifiers, it forms an infinitive phrase.
- I have planned to greatly increase my income.
Prepositional Phrase vs. Infinitive Phrase
They both may have “to” at
the start. When the word “to” is used as a preposition, the phrase is called a
prepositional phrase. When the word “to” is a part of an infinitive, the phrase
is called an infinitive phrase.
- John talked to his friend. (Prepositional phrase)
- She tried to solve the questions. (Infinitive phrase)
Do we always have “to” at the start of an infinitive?
No, we don’t need to have
“to” at the start of an infinitive phrase. A bare infinitive does not have
“to”, so a phrase that starts with a bare infinitive does not have “to” at the
start.
- She may give me a prize
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