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An infinitive is formed by placing the word 'to' after the base form of a verb.
An infinitive is formed by placing the word 'to' after the base form of a verb.
False
Infinitives can function only as nouns within a sentence.
Infinitives can function only as nouns within a sentence.
False
Infinitives have subject-verb agreement in sentences.
Infinitives have subject-verb agreement in sentences.
False
The infinitive form of the verb 'swim' is 'to swimming.'
The infinitive form of the verb 'swim' is 'to swimming.'
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When used as a noun, an infinitive phrase indicates who performs the action.
When used as a noun, an infinitive phrase indicates who performs the action.
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Infinitives are commonly used as adverbial modifiers to describe actions.
Infinitives are commonly used as adverbial modifiers to describe actions.
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Gerunds describe actions rather than states.
Gerunds describe actions rather than states.
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Infinitives come after transitive verbs like 'ask' and 'make'.
Infinitives come after transitive verbs like 'ask' and 'make'.
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Participles are often used as adverbs in sentences.
Participles are often used as adverbs in sentences.
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Gerunds can function as subjects in sentences.
Gerunds can function as subjects in sentences.
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Infinitives indicate the purpose or desire to perform an action.
Infinitives indicate the purpose or desire to perform an action.
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Understanding the differences between infinitives and other verb phrases enhances sentence clarity.
Understanding the differences between infinitives and other verb phrases enhances sentence clarity.
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Study Notes
Infinitives: Understanding the Formation of Verb Phrases
Infinitives are non-finite verb forms consisting of "to" followed by the base form of a verb. They function as nouns, pronouns, verbs, or adjectives depending on their context within a sentence. Although they do not have subject-verb agreement, infinitives can be modified by adverbs and prepositional phrases. In this article, we will discuss the formation of infinitives, including when to use them and how they differ from other types of verb phrases.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is formed by placing the word "to" before the base form of a verb. For example, the infinitive form of the verb "run" is "to run." This combination implies action without specifying who performs it. When used as a noun, the infinitive phrase describes the purpose of the activity mentioned. Here's an example:
Their goal was to climb Mount Everest.
In the above sentence, "to climb Mount Everest" serves as a noun phrase indicating what the climbers wanted to achieve.
When to Use Infinitives
Infinitives are most commonly used in several scenarios:
- As the object of various verbs: "I want to eat a sandwich," "He enjoys dancing," etc.
- Adverbial modifiers: "She arrived too late to attend the concert," "We couldn't decide where to go for dinner," etc.
- To indicate purpose: "His suggestion was to close all the windows," etc.
- With prepositions: "I am looking forward to seeing you," "They were waiting for him to get back," etc.
Differences between Infinitives and Other Types of Verb Phrases
Infinitives differ from other types of verb phrases, such as gerunds (-ing) and participles (-ed), in various aspects:
- Infinitives describe actions, while gerunds describe states. For instance, "eating apples" indicates a state rather than an action.
- Infinitives come after linking verbs like 'be,' 'have,' and 'get.' In contrast, gerunds follow transitive verbs like 'ask' and 'make.'
Here's an example comparing infinitives with other types of verb phrases:
| Type | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | I want to eat pizza. | Indicates purpose or desire to perform an action. |
| Gerund-Participle | Eating pizza is delicious. | Describes a state or condition related to pizza eating. |
| Participle | Eaten pizza can be stored in the refrigerator. | Describes past action, often used as adjectives. |
| Gerund | Running is good exercise. | Refers to an ongoing activity, often serving as subject or complement. |
Conclusion
Infinitives play a crucial role in forming various types of verb phrases, providing flexibility and nuance to sentence structures and meanings. Understanding their formation and usage enables us to craft clear and effective sentences while communicating our ideas precisely. Additionally, appreciating how infinitives differ from other verb phrases helps broaden our comprehension of the English language.
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Description
Explore the formation and usage of infinitives, non-finite verb forms consisting of 'to' followed by the base form of a verb. Learn when to use infinitives as nouns, pronouns, verbs, or adjectives, and distinguish them from other verb phrases like gerunds and participles. Enhance your knowledge of English grammar with insights into how infinitives provide flexibility and nuance to sentence structures.
