English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define an infinitive and an infinitive phrase.
Accurately identify infinitives in various sentences.
Identify complete infinitive phrases, including their modifiers and objects.
Distinguish infinitives from prepositional phrases.
Explain the function of infinitives and infinitive phrases in sentences (as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs).
Construct grammatically correct sentences using infinitives and infinitive phrases.
Analyze how infinitives and infinitive phrases contribute to sentence meaning and structure in literary texts.
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In this lesson, you'll learn to identify infinitives and infinitive phras...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
InfinitiveThe base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word 'to', that can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb in a sentence.She loves *to read* mystery novels.
Infinitive PhraseAn infinitive along with any words that modify it (like adverbs) or act as its object (like nouns or pronouns). The entire phrase functions as a single part of speech.He wants *to finish his homework quickly* before dinner.
'To' as part of the InfinitiveThe word 'to' is an essential part of the infinitive verb form, not a separate preposition in this context. It signals that the following word is a verb in its base form.It is important *to listen* carefully to instructions.
Infinitive as a NounWhen an infinitive or infinitive phrase acts as the sub...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Infinitive Structure Rule
An infinitive is always formed by the word 'to' immediately followed by the base form of a verb (e.g., to run, to eat, to sleep).
This is the fundamental structure you'll look for. The 'to' is part of the verb, not a separate preposition. The verb will not be conjugated (e.g., not 'to ran' or 'to eating').
Infinitive Phrase Identification Rule
An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive ('to' + verb) plus any words that modify or complete its meaning, such as direct objects, indirect objects, or adverbs.
Once you've found the infinitive, look for words that describe it or receive its action. These words are part of the phrase and should be included when identifying it.
Distinguishing f...
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Challenging
Based on the 'Infinitive Structure Rule,' which sentence contains a grammatical error in the formation of the infinitive?
A.He is learning to playing the piano.
B.She wants to be a scientist.
C.They decided to leave early.
D.I need to ask a question.
Challenging
In the sentence 'She needs to learn to manage her time better,' what is the function of the main infinitive phrase?
A.It is an adjective modifying 'She'.
B.It is an adverb modifying 'needs'.
C.It is a noun, the direct object of 'needs'.
D.It is a noun, the subject of the sentence.
Challenging
Which sentence best combines the ideas 'She studies hard.' and 'She wants to get good grades.' using an infinitive phrase?
A.She studies hard, and she wants to get good grades.
B.Because she wants to get good grades, she studies hard.
C.She studies hard for getting good grades.
D.To get good grades, she studies hard.
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