English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases
What you'll learn
- Identify and accurately differentiate between bare infinitives and full infinitives within complex sentence structures with 80% accuracy on a summative assessment.
- Apply knowledge of infinitive functions (noun, adjective, adverb) to correctly classify the grammatical role of infinitive phrases in provided literary excerpts with 75% accuracy.
- Explain how the strategic use of infinitives and infinitive phrases can enhance sentence fluency and stylistic variation in their own writing, as demonstrated through a revised paragraph with at least three effective examples.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of infinitive phrase usage in model sentences, providing reasoned justifications for stylistic choices based on grammatical principles and intended effect, in a short written analysis.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define an infinitive and an infinitive phrase.
Locate infinitives and their complete phrases within complex sentences.
Differentiate between an infinitive and a prepositional phrase beginning with 'to'.
Identify the function of an infinitive phrase as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Analyze how authors use infinitive phrases to create specific rhetorical effects.
Construct sentences that correctly use infinitive phrases to add detail and variety.
What do you hope to achieve this year? 🏆 The way you answer that question almost certainly uses the grammatical tool we're about to master!
This tutorial will teach you how to identify and understand infinitives and infinitive phrases, which are verb forms that act as other parts of speech. Masteri...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VerbalA word formed from a verb but functioning as a different part of speech, such as a noun, adjective, or adverb.In the sentence 'Running is fun,' the word 'Running' is a verbal (specifically, a gerund) acting as a noun.
InfinitiveA type of verbal that consists of the word 'to' followed by the base form of a verb. It is the most basic form of a verb.to read, to think, to analyze, to become
Infinitive PhraseA phrase that includes the infinitive, plus any modifiers, objects, or complements that complete its meaning.to read the book quickly
Function as a NounWhen an infinitive or infinitive phrase acts as the subject, direct object, or predicate nominative in a sentence.Her goal is *to win the debate*. (Predicate Nominative)
Function as...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Infinitive Formula
to + [base form of a verb]
This is the fundamental structure of an infinitive. Always look for the word 'to' immediately followed by a verb in its simplest form (e.g., 'run', not 'ran' or 'running').
The Infinitive Phrase Structure
[infinitive] + [modifiers (adverbs)] + [objects (nouns/pronouns)]
To find the complete infinitive phrase, start with the infinitive and include all the words that complete its thought. The phrase ends when you reach a verb or punctuation that is not part of the infinitive's action.
Determining Function
Ask what role the phrase plays in the sentence. Does it name something (Noun)? Describe something (Adjective)? Or explain why/how (Adverb)?
To determine the function, try re...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
An author writes: 'He ran, not to escape the past, but to build a new future.' What is the primary rhetorical effect of using two parallel infinitive phrases in this structure?
A.It creates a contrast that clarifies the character's true motivation.
B.It slows down the pacing of the sentence to create suspense.
C.It functions as an adjective to describe the character.
D.It proves that the character's main goal is to be a good runner.
Challenging
Consider these two sentences: 1. 'The plan to win the game failed.' 2. 'He created a plan to win the game.' How does the role of the infinitive phrase 'to win the game' differ between the two sentences?
A.In 1 it is a noun (subject); in 2 it is an adverb.
B.In 1 it is an adverb; in 2 it is an adjective.
C.In both sentences, it functions as an adjective modifying 'plan'.
D.In 1 it is an adjective modifying 'plan'; in 2 it is an adverb modifying 'created'.
Challenging
A student is writing a thesis statement: 'In 'The Great Gatsby', Fitzgerald uses the green light symbol...' Which completion uses an infinitive phrase most effectively to establish a clear, analytical purpose?
A....and it is a symbol to show Gatsby's dream.
B....to explore the unattainable nature of the American Dream.
C....which is a symbol that is meant to be about a dream.
D....for the purpose of showing a dream that cannot be reached.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases"?
Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases is a Grade 9 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases?
You'll be able to: Identify and accurately differentiate between bare infinitives and full infinitives within complex sentence structures with 80% accuracy on a summative assessment; Apply knowledge of infinitive functions (noun, adjective….
Is "Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Identify infinitives and infinitive phrases?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.