Infinitives in English Grammar

Study Notes

Simple Infinitives

Simple infinitives use the base form of the verb.
They are used to express a general action.
They are often used to maintain the same tense in main and subordinate clauses.

Perfective Infinitive

It expresses a completed action, referring to actions already or completely finished.

Infinitive Functions

Infinitives act as nouns, adjectives or adverbs
They can represent subjects, objects or prepositional complements.

Infinitive Complements of Verbs

Infinitives can be used to complete verbs (e.g. "He wanted to learn").

Infinitive Phrases with "So as to" and "So that"

"So as to" and "So that" introduce infinitive phrases. The infinitive shows the purpose of the action described in the main clause.

Infinitive Forms

Infinitive forms include active, simple, and bare infinitives.
They may also be continuous, perfect, or perfect continuous, and active or passive.

Correct Infinitive Usage

Correct infinitive use is crucial for grammatically sound sentences.
Sentences should be reviewed for proper infinitive form.
Example: "She enjoys reading books." is correct. "She enjoys to read books" is incorrect.

Infinitive Phrases- Adjectives

Infinitives can follow adjectives (e.g., "It's easy to learn").

Infinitive Phrases as Subjects

Infinitive phrases can function as subjects (e.g., "To travel the world is my dream").

Correct Infinitive Use in Sentences

"I need to get ready." is the correct sentence.
Avoid incorrect verb forms such as "I need you ready." or "You need ready".

Split Infinitives

A split infinitive occurs when a word comes between "to" and the verb.
Example: "I wanted to boldly go..." (incorrect)
Example: "I wanted to go boldly..." (correct)

Infinitives with Prepositions

Infinitives can be used with prepositions.
Example: "On hot days, I usually go to the pool to swim."

Continuous Infinitive

Used for actions ongoing or in progress.

Correct Infinitive Phrase Use in Sentences

Example: "I want to study harder." is correct

Infinitives with Adverbs of Purpose

Complete the sentence by using the infinitive phrase "so as to" ("She grew up to be a famous artist.") or "to" ("She grew up to be a famous artist").

Correct Infinitive Forms

"To swim" and "To read" are more complete infinitive forms.

Infinitive Complements

Use the infinitive, "to solve," to complete the verb "It's difficult".

Infinitive Phrases with "Only to"

"Only to" introduces an unexpected consequence (e.g., "We ran to the store, only to find it closed.").

Infinitive Phrases as Subjects

Examples: "To travel the world is my dream." and "To read is enjoyable."

Infinitives after Adjectives

Infinitives can follow adjectives, (e.g., "It's easy to learn a new language.")

Description

This quiz covers the different forms and functions of infinitives in English grammar. It explores simple, perfective, and various uses of infinitives, including their roles as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Test your understanding of infinitives and their complements through this engaging quiz.