NAME: ____________________________________ MODS: __________DATE: ___________
Infinitives
Infinitive – An infinitive is a verb form ordinarily introduced by “to”.
Although it uses a verb form, the infinitive is not the verb of the sentence.
Examples:
The librarian asked us to whisper.
It is difficult to move in a crowded room.
I resolved to study harder this year.
Infinitive Phrase – An infinitive phrase is an infinitive with its modifiers and objects.
Examples:
The college representative advised us to follow our dreams.
To create a masterpiece, one must begin with an idea and then make a plan.
Using infinitive phrases – Save words by substituting infinitive phrases for some clauses.
Example:
Pigs roll in the mud so that they can get cool on hot days.
Pigs roll in the mud to get cool on hot days.
Exercises:
A. Identify the infinitive by underlining “to” and the verb form.
Put parenthesis around the entire infinitive phrase.
Write “O.I.” over the object of the infinitive.
1. I am not allowed to drive my sister’s car.
2. The garden club learned how easy it is to grow marigolds.
3. To play the tuba, one must have strong lungs.
4. Their only response was to blink and turn away.
5. He was able to offer only specious arguments to explain his inexcusable actions.
6. The chef used a variety of herbs and spices to create a savory meal.
7. His sanguine approach to life was in marked contrast to his friend’s pessimism.
8. The mother reiterated her request for the children to clean their room.
9. The aspiring athlete was resolute in her determination to succeed.
10. His reticent nature made it difficult for him to express his feelings.
11. To dream the impossible dream is not one of my ambitions.
12. The babysitter found it nearly impossible to put the rambunctious children to bed on time.
B. By using an infinitive phrase in each, improve the following sentences:
1. I hoped that I could complete my report by the end of Winter Break.
2. The linemen practiced all morning in order that they might prepare for Bay Shore’s powerful halfbacks.
3. Sir Joseph Lister was the first by whom antiseptic methods were used during surgery.
4. After twelve hours of snow, Dad decided that he should invest in a light-weight aluminum shovel.
5. Friar Tuck gave Robin Hood a dunking in the stream in order that he might cool Robin’s hot temper.
Errors in using infinitives: Split Infinitives
In general, the word “to” in an infinitive should not be separated from the verb form. This rule originated
because in Latin, infinitives are one word, and therefore would not be separated. When possible, an adverb
should be placed before or after the infinitive, rather than inside it. This is especially true if there are several
words separating the infinitive.
Examples:
Split infinitive – The arguing delegates were ordered to once and for all settle their differences.
Corrected – The arguing delegates were ordered to settle their differences once and for all.
Split infinitive – To gracefully dance is an art form.
Corrected – To dance gracefully is an art form.
Sometimes the split infinitive is not even the precise meaning which the writer intends.
Split infinitive with altered meaning:
Error – Did you expect me to actually believe you?
Here “actually” really describes the verb “expect”, not the belief of the speaker.
Corrected – Did you actually expect me to believe you?
In some cases, however, the split infinitive would have a confusing meaning if the adverb were placed outside
it.
Acceptable split infinitive – Mechanics told me to periodically check the oil level in my car because it tends to
leak.
The following sentences would all be better without the split infinitives. Correct them.
1. We are seeking a plan to gradually, systematically, and economically relieve the burden.
2. It is rare for a person to horribly sing without recognizing his or her own lack of talent.
3. Small children are inclined to very aggressively argue with one another.
4. During flu season, one must try to really avoid exposure to germs.
5. To take the test without studying may cause one to completely and utterly fail.