Beginning Sentences with Infinitives and Participles
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive is a root form of the verb preceded by to.
to learn
to assemble
to make
An infinitive phrase is the infinitive plus the words that go with it.
to learn the latest news
to assemble the bicycle
to make a decent living
When the infinitive phrase comes after the main clause (regular word order), no comma is
necessary. However, when it introduces the main clause (inverted word order), it is followed
by a comma.
Please contact the executive director to apply for a job.
To apply for a job, please contact the executive director.
Look on the SOLV website to find the nearest location.
To find the nearest location, look on the SOLV website.
Present Participial Phrases
A present participle is the –ing form of a verb when it is used to describe a noun or pronoun.
looking
shaking
paying
A participial phrase is the participle plus the words that go with it.
looking for a way out
shaking the can of soda
paying no attention to the laughter
Here it is used as a verb phrase:
The ferret paced back and forth. It was looking for a way out. (was looking is the verb)
We can combine these sentences by creating a participial phrase. It acts like an adjective
because it describes the noun ferret. When it is used as an introductory phrase, a comma
separates it from the main clause.
Looking for a way out, the ferret paced back and forth.
The boy was shaking the can of soda. He looked quickly at his dad.
Shaking the can of soda, the boy looked quickly at his dad.
The dancer was paying no attention to the laughter. She kept on twirling.
Paying no attention to the laughter, the dancer kept on twirling.
7th Separated Lesson: Volunteerism II Vary Sentence Beginnings