Have you ever encountered a sentence with a verb form that doesn’t quite act like a typical verb? Perhaps it doesn’t directly express an action but seems to describe something or modify another part of the sentence. This, my friends, is likely the work of an infinitive phrase!
What is an Infinitive Phrase?
An infinitive phrase is a grammatical group built around an infinitive verb. An infinitive verb itself is formed with the word “to” followed by the base form of a verb (e.g., to run, to write, to sleep). However, infinitive phrases can become much more than just a simple verb. They can include modifiers like adverbs or even objects, creating a more complex unit within a sentence.
Here are examples of infinitive phrases:
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns:
To travel to Europe has always been a dream of mine. (Subject of the sentence)
Her goal is to graduate with honors. (Direct object of the verb “is”)
The best way to relax is to listen to music. (Predicate nominative – explains the subject “way”)
Infinitive Phrases as Adjectives:
I found a book to read on the plane. (Modifies the noun “book”)
She has a talent to paint beautiful landscapes. (Modifies the noun “talent”)
They were eager to start the competition. (Modifies the adjective “eager”)
Infinitive Phrases as Adverbs:
He ran to catch the bus. (Modifies the verb “ran” – explains how he ran)
She whispered to keep it a secret. (Modifies the verb “whispered” – explains why she whispered)
I arrived early to avoid the traffic. (Modifies the verb “arrived” – explains the reason for arriving early)
Components of An Infinitive Phrase
Infinitive Verb:
An infinitive verb is a verb form that shows the basic idea of an action or state of being, but it doesn’t function as the main verb in a sentence. It acts like a placeholder for a verb, often indicating what someone wants to do, can do, or is able to do.
Here are examples of infinitive verbs used in sentences:
With “to”: She wants to dance all night. (Here, “to dance” expresses the desire to perform the action)
Bare infinitive (without “to”) after a modal verb: I can speak three languages. (“Can” is a modal verb, and “speak” is the infinitive verb showing the ability)
Infinitive verb following the verb “want”: We want to travel to Asia next year. (“Want” is followed by the infinitive “to travel”)
Infinitive modifying an adjective: It was difficult to understand the instructions. (“To understand” modifies the adjective “difficult”)
Bare infinitive following the verb “make”: They made me wait for hours. (“Made” is followed by the bare infinitive “wait”)
Modifiers:
Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that provide additional information about another word or phrase in a sentence. They add detail and specificity, making the meaning clearer and more precise. Modifiers can describe, limit, or qualify nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
Examples of Modifiers
The red ball bounced across the field. (red modifies the noun ball.)
She sings beautifully. (beautifully modifies the verb sings.)
The house, old and dilapidated, stood on the corner. (old and dilapidated modifies the noun house.)
He ran with great speed. (with great speed modifies the verb ran.)
The book that I borrowed from the library is fascinating. (that I borrowed from the library modifies the noun book.)
Objects:
Objects in a sentence are nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases that receive the action of a verb or show the result of that action. There are two main types of objects:
Direct Objects: These receive the action of the verb directly and answer the question “what?” or “whom?” after an action verb.
Indirect Objects: These indicate to whom or for whom the action is done and answer the question “to whom?” or “for whom?” after an action verb.
Examples of Objects
She read the book.
He gave her a gift.
They built a house.
I sent them an email.
She enjoys music.
Complements:
Complements are words or groups of words that complete the meaning of a predicate in a sentence. They can provide additional information about the subject or the object and are essential to making the sentence’s meaning clear. Complements can be of various types, such as subject complements, object complements, and verb complements.
Subject Complements: Follow linking verbs and provide information about the subject.
Object Complements: Follow and provide information about the direct object.
Verb Complements: Complete the meaning of the verb, often found in infinitive or gerund forms.
Examples of Complements
The sky is blue.
She became a doctor.
They elected him president.
The jury found the defendant guilty.
She loves to read.
Examples of Infinitive Phrases
To win the championship
Infinitive Verb: to win
Modifiers: the championship
To finish the project on time
Infinitive Verb: to finish
Modifiers: the project, on time
To bake a cake for her birthday
Infinitive Verb: to bake
Modifiers: a cake, for her birthday
To travel around the world
Infinitive Verb: to travel
Modifiers: around the world
To understand quantum physics
Infinitive Verb: to understand
Modifiers: quantum physics
To make new friends at the party
Infinitive Verb: to make
Modifiers: new friends, at the party
To learn a new language fluently
Infinitive Verb: to learn
Modifiers: a new language, fluently
To see the Northern Lights
Infinitive Verb: to see
Modifiers: the Northern Lights
To earn a promotion at work
Infinitive Verb: to earn
Modifiers: a promotion, at work
To help her brother with his homework
Infinitive Verb: to help
Modifiers: her brother, with his homework
Types of Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases can function as different parts of a sentence. The main types of infinitive phrases include those that function as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
When an infinitive phrase functions as a noun, it can serve as the subject, direct object, or complement in a sentence.
Subject: “To travel around the world is my dream.”
Here, “To travel around the world” is the subject of the sentence.
Direct Object: “She likes to read mystery novels.”
“To read mystery novels” is the direct object of the verb “likes.”
Subject Complement: “His goal is to become a doctor.”
“To become a doctor” is the complement of the subject “goal.”
Infinitive Phrases as Adjectives
Infinitive phrases can act as adjectives, modifying nouns or pronouns by providing more information about them.
“I have a report to write before Monday.”
“To write before Monday” modifies the noun “report.”
“She is looking for a place to stay.”
“To stay” modifies the noun “place.”
Infinitive Phrases as Adverbs
Infinitive phrases that function as adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often explaining why, how, when, or where something happened.
“He paused to take a breath.”
“To take a breath” modifies the verb “paused” by explaining why he paused.
“She saved money to buy a car.”
“To buy a car” modifies the verb “saved” by explaining why she saved money.
“The team worked hard to win the championship.”
“To win the championship” modifies the verb “worked” by explaining the purpose of their hard work.
Infinitive verbs provide a versatile tool for expressing actions or states of being in various grammatical contexts. By understanding their structure and function, you can enhance your understanding of sentence construction and improve your writing skills.
