The Infinitive form of the verb is to + main verb. An infinitive can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
•Examples: to run, to jump, to sing, to dance, to try, to work
Remember: don’t confuse the infinitive use of to with the preposition use of to. It is easy to remember. To + a verb = infinitive; To + anything else = prepositional phrase.
•Examples
He gave the money to Ruby. (Ruby is a noun. Prepositional phrase).
He couldn’t get the car to start. (start is a verb. Infinitive).
Let’s go to the movies. (the is an adjective. Prepositional phrase).
We need to practice if we are going to win. (practice, win are verbs. Infinitives).
•Examples of the infinitive as a noun:
1. To win this race requires dedication. (subject).
2. Ruby asked to deliver her speech first. (direct object).
3. Our goal is to arrive by noon. (predicate nominative).
4. You have no choice except to leave the country. (object of preposition).
•Examples of the infinitive as an adjective:
1. The drive to succeed is important in business.
2. Put the books to sell in one box.
3. The most important supplies to bring are the ones in the basement.
4. The fastest train to take is the AVE.
•Examples of the infinitive as an adverb:
1. I need the car to get home.
2. He gave them money to pay for dinner.
3. To win the game, we need help.
4. He weeded the garden to help the crop.
NOTICE: since the infinitive is still a verb form, it can have objects (and even subjects).
•Examples: We need to win the game. The infinitive phrase to win the game functions as the direct object of the main verb need. The infinitive to win has the game as its object (remember, ask “to win what?” answer: “the game.”).
NOTICE: sometimes the infinitive appears without the to.
•Examples:
1. We heard him (to) sing the song.
2. Let the men (to) work in peace.
Notice, you’ve been using these forms without even knowing it.
Practice Exercises for infinitives and infinitive phrases