Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases Worksheet #1
Directions: On a separate sheet of paper, identify all the single infinitives/infinitive phrases in the
sentences below. Then list the part of speech of each infinitive/infinitive phrase (adverb,
adjective, or noun). It the infinitive/infinitive phrase is a modifier, identify the word it modifies. If
the infinitive/infinitive phrase is a noun, identify its noun function in the sentence.
1.
The pilgrim was looking for a sign to guide him on his life’s journey.
To guide him on his life’s journey—adjective—modifies “sign”
2.
To be or not to be—that is the question.
To be—noun—subject
Not to be—noun—subject
3.
She really wanted to marry Richard, but John was the one who bothered to ask her.
To marry Richard—noun—DO
To ask her—adverb—modifies “bothered”
4.
Did you manage to complete your test on time?
To complete your test on time—noun—DO
5.
He seemed to understand the material.
To understand the material—adjective—modifies “he”
6.
His first goal was to make the cut; his second was to make the team.
To make the cut—noun—PN
To make the team—noun--PN
7.
He decided to keep hiking on the same trail even though he wasn’t exactly sure if he was going in
the right direction.
To keep hiking on the same trail—noun—DO
8.
He was anxious to satisfy his mother after the death of his aunt.
To satisfy his mother after the death of his aunt—adverb—modifies “anxious”
9.
He took it for granted that he would always be able to see.
To see—adverb—modifies “able”
10. The team to beat in the Western Conference is San Antonio.
To beat in the Western Conference—adjective—modifies “team”
Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases Worksheet #2
(The directions are the same as for Worksheet #1 above.)
1. I needed to raise my grade if I wanted to stay on the basketball team.
I
I
needed
wanted
to raise my grade
to stay on the basketball team
(S TV DO)
(S TV DO)
To raise my grade—noun—DO
To stay on the basketball team—noun—DO
2. My goal is to be the starting point guard on the KMS basketball team.
Goal
is
to be … team
(S LV PN)
To be … team—noun—PN
3. The members of the congregation bowed their heads to say a prayer for the
fallen soldiers.
Members
bowed
heads
(S TV DO)
To say a prayer for the fallen soldiers—adverb infinitive—modifies “bowed”
4. To drive from here to Lincoln, Nebraska takes approximately twenty hours.
To drive from here to Lincoln, NE
takes
hours
(S TV DO)
To drive from here to Lincoln, NE—noun—subject
5. The best way to study for these vocabulary tests is to use flashcards.
Way
is
to use flashcards
(S LV PN)
To study for these vocabulary tests—adjective—modifies “way”
To use flashcards—noun—PN
6. My grandson was excited to see the Childsplay production of The Strange
Adventures of Edward Tulane.
Grandson
was
excited … Tulane
(S LV PA)
To see … Tulane—adverb—modifies “excited”
7. Are you ready to attempt the double flip?
You
are
ready
(S LV PA)
To attempt the double flip—adverb—modifies “ready”
8. The best route to the cabin is to take State Highway 64 through Sonoita.
Route
is
to take … Sonoita
(S LV PN)
To take … Sonoita—noun—PN
9. Sometimes I’m just not motivated to finish my homework.
I
am
motivated to finish my homework
(S LV PA)
To finish my homework—adverb—modifies “motivated”
10. Franklin never did like to write essays.
Franklin
(did) like
to write essays
(S TV DO)
To write essays—noun—DO
11. It’s still possible to apply for the job that you have always wanted.
It
is
possible
(S LV PA)
To apply for the job … wanted—adverb—modifies “possible”
12. The only way to get around this lake is to take this overgrown and poorly
maintained trail.
Way
is
to take … trail
(S LV PN)
To get around this lake—adjective—modifies “way”
To take … trail—noun—PN
13. Scientists were able to determine the approximate date of the artifact by using
carbon dating techniques.
Scientists
were
able
(S LV PA)
To determine … techniques—adverb—modifies “able”
14. The valedictorian was given the opportunity to deliver a speech at graduation.
Valedictorian
was
given the opportunity
(S LV PA)
To deliver a speech at graduation—adjective—modifies “opportunity”
15. We were too distraught to figure out a reasonable solution to our dilemma.
We
were
distraught
(S LV PA)
To figure out a reasonable solution to our dilemma—adverb—modifies “distraught”
Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases Practice Test
(The directions are the same as for Worksheets #1 and #2 above.)
1. Why do you choose to act so immaturely?
You
(do) choose
To act so immaturely—noun—DO
to act so immaturely
(S TV DO)
2. Ken’s goal in life is to make as much money as humanly possible.
Goal
is
to make … possible
(S LV PN)
To make … possible—noun—PN
3. Our club raised money to help flood victims in the Bahamas.
Club
raised
money
(S TV DO)
To help flood victims … Bahamas—adverb—modifies “raised”
4. You need this tool to fix that flat tire correctly.
You
need
tool
(S TV DO)
To fix that flat tire correctly—adverb—modifies “need”
5. That is the best mower to use on this type of grass.
That
is
mower
(S LV PN)
To use on this type of grass—adjective—modifies “mower”
6. The boys in the band were thrilled to receive a contract from the record
company.
Boys
were
thrilled … company
(S LV PA)
To receive a contract from the record company—adverb—modifies “thrilled”
7. Is he prepared to testify against his cousin?
He
is
prepared … cousin
(S LV PA)
To testify against his cousin—adverb—modifies “prepared”
8. The best answer to that question is the one that contained adequate textual
evidence.
Answer
is
one
(S LV PN)
NO INFINITIVES
9. Sometimes I’m reluctant to answer questions in class.
I
am
reluctant
(S LV PA)
To answer questions in class—adverb—modifies “reluctant”
10. To win an NBA title would be a dream come true.
To win an NBA title
(would) be
dream
(S LV PN)
To win an NBA title—noun—subject
11. Have you decided to apply to Stanford?
You
(have) decided
to apply to Stanford
(S TV DO)
To apply to Stanford—noun—DO
12. The primary research method to use when studying these caterpillars is the one
explained in the text.
Method
is
one
(S LV PN)
To use—adjective—modifies “method”
13. Teachers are usually psyched to begin a new school year in August.
Teachers
are
usually psyched … August
To begin … August—adverb—modifies “psyched”
(S LV PA)
14. The patient was asked to fill out a number of complicated forms.
Patient
was
asked … forms
(S LV PA)
To fill out … forms—adverb—modifies “asked”
15. I needed to take some money out of the bank before leaving on vacation.
I
needed
to take … vacation
To take … vacation—noun—DO
(S TV DO)