Introduction to Infinitives

What are infinitives?

​Infinitives

An infinitive is a verb form that usually begins with the word to and acts as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.

An infinitive phrase is an infinitive plus its modifiers and complements.

​Infinitive Examples

Mars is a place some people want to visit. (Noun as a direct object)

To listen is a hard thing for some teens. (Noun as the _)

To read was difficult to do in the noisy classroom.

​Infinitive Phrase Examples

To believe in ourselves can be difficult. (Subject/Noun)

My dream is to play professional sports. (Predicate Noun after a __)

Some scientists believe Mars to be inhabited. (Adjective describing _)

Subject | Subject

Multiple Choice

Identify the infinitive in the following sentence?

It's possible to scare people.

• to scare

• possible to

• It's possible to

• to scare people

Multiple Choice

Identify the infinitive in the following sentence?

One day in 1938, Orson Welles began to broadcast a radio play.

• began to

• began to broadcast

• to broadcast

• to broadcast a radio play

Multiple Choice

Identify the infinitive in the following sentence?

I like to read mysteries.

• like to

• like to read

• to read mysteries

• to read

Multiple Choice

Identify the infinitive in the following sentence?

To pick a winner can be difficult.

• to pick

• to pick a

• to pick a winner

• winner

Multiple Choice

Identify the infinitive phrase in the following sentence?

To surprise my friends is a challenge.

• to surprise

• to surprise my friends

• is a challenge

• is

Multiple Choice

Identify the infinitive phrase in the following sentence?

I need to find out the ending to the book.

• to find out

• to find out the ending to the book

• to

• to find

Multiple Choice

What is the job of the following infinitive?

To listen can be a challenge.

• Noun as direct object

• Noun as the subject

• Predicate Noun

• I have no clue!

Multiple Choice

What is the job of the following infinitive?

The author wrote to entertain others.

• Noun as subject

• Noun as direct object

• Adverb

• Adjective

Multiple Choice

What is the job of the following infinitive?

I like to read mysteries late at night.

• Noun as subject

• Noun as direct object

• Adjective

• Adverb