Reduced Infinitives

Reduced Infinitives

By Mr.Timothy Hutto

The Reduced Infinitive

•In conversation, it’s often not necessary to use the full infinitive if it’s understood from the context.​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

B. Because the doctor told me to.

B. Because I promised to.​

B. No, I’ve decided not to.​

B. Sorry, I forgot to.

B. No way! I don't want to.​

B. I didn't have a chance to.

A: Why did you take that medicine?

A: Why are you helping Sue?

A: Are you going to sell your house?

A: Did you bring my book?

A: Do you want to get married?

A: Did you tell her you loved her?

Reduced Infinitives

​A. Did you mail my letter?

B. Oh, sorry. I ________. (forget)

A. I can’t go out with you this evening. Sorry.

B. Oh, but you __________. (promise)

A. Why didn't you call your mom?

B. Because she __________. (not tell me)​

Subject | Subject

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

Reduced Infinitives

​A. Did you mail my letter?

B. Oh, sorry. I forgot to. (forget)

A. I can’t go out with you this evening. Sorry.

B. Oh, but you promised to. (promise)

A. Why didn't you call your mom?

B. Because she told me not to. (not tell me)​

Subject | Subject

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

Reduced Infinitives

A:Do you think you’ll apply for that job?

B: Yes, I’ve definitely _________. (decide)

A: Are you taking your brother to the airport?

B: Well, I _________ (offer), but he said he _________ me __ (not want).

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

Reduced Infinitives

A:Do you think you’ll apply for that job?

B: Yes, I’ve definitely decided to. (decide) (present perfect)

A: Are you taking your brother to the airport?

B: Well, I offered to (offer), but he said he didn't want me to (not want).

If the original sentence is in past tense, make the reply in past tense also.

Multiple Choice

Jeffy, why did you eat all the cookies?

• Because I wanted to.

• Because I wanted to eat.

• Because I wanted to eat all the cookies.

• Because I want to.

Multiple Choice

Why did you close your book?

• Because the teacher tells us to.

• Because the teacher told us to.

• Because the teacher told us to close.