Examples of infinitives include to read, to run, to jump, to play, to sing, to laugh, to cry, to eat, and to go. Nordquist, Richard. The infinitive "to eat." "To eat" is the direct object of "need" because it receives the action. Here, the phrase 'to run' is used as the subject of the sentence. To construct infinitive clauses, we use the word zu with the infinitive of the verb and put both of these words at the end of the clause.. Sometimes, correcting a split infinitive can create a sentence that sounds awkward. 1. Here are some examples: 'to love, to eat, to run, to believe, to follow, to laugh, to stare, to wonder.'. The first potential problem to avoid is mixing up infinitive phrases with prepositional phrases. The students started to laugh during the bus ride. To eliminate a split infinitive, move the position of the word that separates the infinitive. Help the needy. Here are two examples of infinitive phrases as subjects: To have a big dream requires the same effort as having a small dream. In English, the infinitive form of the verb is used in many ways. Basically, Infinitives are two types: (A) The Simple or Noun-Infinitive is used (i) As the subject of a verb : To err is human (ii) As the object of a verb : He likes to swim I taught him to read He was taught to read (retained object). 1. copyright 2003-2022 Study.com. Consider this example: The adverb ''always'' is breaking up the infinitive ''to wash.'' ''Always'' can be moved to keep the infinitive intact: However, these corrected sentences do not read smoothly. An infinitive has not to be changed with the change of the subject or tense. The term verbal indicates that an infinitive, like the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being. He told us about a wild boar which he met on a road. Infinitive verbs are used every day and in famous literary works! [In this sentence, He wanted to study English grammar. You might see infinitives appear in sentences like this: To be an astronaut is my dream. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Notice that the prepositional phrase does not include a verb, but uses the word "to" to provide a location within the cinema. However, the infinitive may function as a subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. The noun infinity, and the adjective infinite mean something that is never ending. In this example, the infinitive phrase functions as an adjective because it modifies the noun, you. The term 'to laugh' is an infinitive example. [In this sentence, He wants to study English grammar. The infinitive can appear by itself, or it can be part of a larger infinitive phrase. At least one infinitive verb should function as a noun; at least one should function as an adjective, and at least one should function as an adverb. Now to have a better grasp of using infinitives, we will get ourselves familiar with some verbs which are followed by infinitives. Contrast with the zero infinitive(live, love, learn). Nordquist, Richard. Infinitive verbs are commonly used in the English language. - Definition & Examples, What Are Abbreviations? What is a Countable Noun and an Uncountable Noun? I know it!") I thought it would rain today. to dream (James dares to dream about getting the job.) Infinitive examples: I like to write in English. These are all infinitives because they have to, to travel, to eat, to give. This is because the present infinitive, to find, seems to imply success. Split infinitives typically occur in sentences when an adverb is placed between ''to'' and the verb of the infinitive. Stative Verbs List & Examples | What are Stative Verbs? Some corrections may confuse the reader or distract the reader from the meaning. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Structure: to + have + past participle (V3) Examples: I am happy to have done this. The followings are the adjectives that are often followed by infinitives. A verb that is to+basic form of the verb, though for some few verbs to remains implied and not explicitly used before them, is called an infinitive verb. Important Note: An infinitive is not a verb, So we cannot add -s, -es, -ed, or -ing in the end. Demonstrative Pronouns Concept & Examples | What are Demonstrative Pronouns? Split infinitives are easily corrected by moving the word that has separated the ''to'' from the verb (such as, ''to run quickly''). The infinitive in this sentence is ''to wait,'' and by inserting the word ''quietly'' between the ''to'' and the verb ''wait,'' we've created a split infinitive. This means that it modifies the verb and can answer questions like "who", "where", "when", and "how.". Examples of infinitives: 1) I like to run. Herman Melville, "Once the remaining empty slots were filled, the Scoreboard began, Watch out for how the word "to" is used in a sentence. (functions as a subject) It is formed by adding 'ing' with a verb. They are infinitive verbs, which are never conjugated and will always take the format of "to + (verb)." in Education Literacy and Learning for Grades 6-12. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If a word comes between ''to'' and the verb, however, then the infinitive becomes separated, or ''split.''. Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden | Theme, Tone & Imagery, Manto's Toba Tek Singh & Post-Colonialism, Common Core ELA - Literature Grades 11-12: Standards, Common Core ELA - Writing Grades 11-12: Standards, Common Core ELA - Speaking and Listening Grades 9-10: Standards, Common Core ELA - Speaking and Listening Grades 11-12: Standards, Common Core ELA - Language Grades 11-12: Standards, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, Common Core ELA Grade 8 - Literature: Standards, 12th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, 9th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, AP English Literature: Homework Help Resource, AP English Literature: Homeschool Curriculum, Create an account to start this course today. The grammar of "I am happy seeing you" is incorrect, but the listener might still understand your meaning. The second problem to avoid is the split infinitive. An infinitive verb is the word to followed by a verb.For example: What is an example of an infinitive phrase in a sentence? To correct a split infinitive, the word that separates the two parts of the infinitive should be moved. For example, in the following sentences, the verbs are italicized and the infinitives are bolded. In the first example, the infinitive "to play" is paired with a direct object: "guitar." Together, these make an infinitive phrase. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. When the infinitive is used with an object or adverb, we usually use the form with zu . A verb phrase made up of the particle to and the base form of a verb. Some examples of infinitives in English are: To have and to hold are examples of infinitives often used in marriage vows. To avoid a split infinitive, the sentence should be revised to: "She wants to leave quietly. Those verbs are: But when these verbs are used in the passive form, to is used, except the verb let. However, what can be confusing is that the infinitive phrase -- 'to' plus a verb -- does not act like a verb at all but rather takes on the role of a noun, adjective or adverb in a sentence. According to Thought Co, a split infinitive in English grammar is when one or more words come between the infinitive marker to and the verb. If correcting a split infinitive makes a sentence sound awkward, it might be better to retain the split infinitive. Look at these examples: [Here 'to learn' is an infinitive and the subject of the sentence.] An infinitive can become a split verb, as shown here, by adding an adverb between the two parts. Understanding the 'to'-Infinitive in English Grammar. (Brazilian-Swiss businessman Jorge Paulo Lemann) (The infinitive phrase is the subject of "requires.") To invent an airplane is nothing. Aunt Mary wasn't sure she wanted to go on the trip, but Aunt Lucy seemed to really want to go. You can use gerund and infinitive with "to prefer" interchangeably; however, the syntax is slightly different. Subject + to be + noun phrase + to-infinitive. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. An infinitive verb is essentially the base form of a verb with the word to in front of it. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Examples of back formation 1.Baby-sit (baby-sitter) 2.Gyre (gyroscope) 3.Edit (editor) Vridhi has some clothes to iron. She holds senior human resources, affirmative action, and project management certifications. Q. Infinitives as adjectives sentences Go through the following sentences where infinitives are functioning as adjectives. You met a man last night. An infinitive can never have a subject of its own and it cannot change its form and cannot take an auxiliary before it. Examples of Infinitives in Literature and Film Mark Twain: "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Will Rogers: "Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save ." I am busy . For example: "Rick really wants to see!" The phrase "to see" actually functions as a noun. Most people start by learning the infinitive of a verb. Remember that what makes infinitives so tricky is that they look like verbs, but act like other parts of speech such as nouns, adjectives or adverbs. Split infinitives typically occur in sentences when an adverb is placed between ''to'' and the verb of an infinitive. They also are AT-CTI certified. 7. A split infinitive is an error in writing that occurs when a word is inserted between the two words of the infinitive. Participle Phrase Examples: Past and Present. 2. Remind me to give Julia a call.. Verbs with to-infinitive 1. Write a short story of at least 250 words about a time you were surprised. A Gerund is a non-finite verb that functions as a noun. They can be used as a noun (what subject or object of the verb is doing), an adjective (describe what the subject is doing), or an adverb (how or why something is happening). Take a look at these examples: 'Terrence lacked the motivation to succeed.' What qualifies you as a Vermont resident? An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to plus a verb (in its simplest stem form) and functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Examples of infinitive verbs are to be, to do, to see, to eat, and to wear. '', The infinitive ''to organize'' is split by the adverb ''thoroughly. They like to go to the movies. Examples of Infinitive. One thing to watch for is other verbs in a sentence. A - in / typing B - up / to type C - on / in typing D - for / typing Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you The rule in formal writing is not to insert a word between the two words of the infinitive. I feel like its a lifeline. I really need to eat something. Are Split Infinitives in a Sentence Always Incorrect? Examples of Infinitives Example 1. For example, we have this famous sentence from Hamlet: 'To be or not to be: that is the question.'. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Subordinate Clause: Examples & Definition, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Devon Denomme, Debbie Notari, Amy Fredrickson, What Are Nouns? - Definition & Examples, Reading Review for Teachers: Study Guide & Help, AP English Language: Homeschool Curriculum, Chaucer's The Pardoner's Tale: Summary & Analysis, Kiss of the Spider Woman: Book Summary & Analysis, The Brothers Karamazov: Summary, Characters & Analysis, The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens: Characters & Character Analysis, The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens Setting Analysis, The Fly by Karl Shapiro: Analysis & Theme, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Placing a word like quickly in the middle of an infinitive is called a split infinitive. (I am happy about an action that I did in the past.) They like going to the movies. Remember that direct objects are nouns; they can answer the question 'who' or 'what' and receive the action of the subject. What happens when a solid as it turns into a liquid? Examples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as nouns: 1) I like to run. succeed. A participle is a verbal that is used as an adjective and uses either "-ing", "-ed", "-en", "-d", "-t", "-n", or "-ne" as per the root word. 2. The kid began to frown since his father didn't buy him ice cream. When an infinitive verb is used without the marker to, it is called a bare Infinitive. That is, we use a perfect infinitive for something prior to the time in the main verb, e.g. What is a Linking Verb? Relative Pronouns: Examples | What Is a Relative Pronoun? Ensure that it is not being used as a. I work with non-native English learners to help them understand English grammar from basic to intermediate. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Past Participle Overview & Example Sentences | What is a Past Participle? ; To cheat in the exam is not uncommon nowadays. Infinitives can serve as direct objects. What are the 3 examples of an infinitive phrase? I hope you may like my posts on this website, and if you really really feel that this page/website is useful for English learners, please happily share it for others to know. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} A gerund is used as a noun, but is formed by adding an action-word with "ing". They describe a person or number of items and are conjugated using "-ed" or "-ing". Go is the infinitive form. Phrases in Grammar: Types & Uses | What is a Phrase in Grammar? Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York, "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have. Ritu went to France. Any verb that is preceded by the word 'to' is an infinitive. When you use an infinitive verb . Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Learn the definition of an infinitive, see various infinitive verb examples, and understand its meaning, form and function in sentences. to visit visiting to visit/visiting 2. "To quickly walk" would be incorrect, whereas "to walk quickly" would be. In fact, Ms. Henderson solved complex math problems outside of class to help NASA scientists. An infinitive is used in this structure: It + be + adjective + to-infinitive (for someone) + extension. As the Subject of the Sentence. Compound Adjectives Overview & Examples | What is a Compound Adjective? A split infinitive is an error in writing that occurs when a word is inserted between the two words of the infinitive. It is not acting as a preposition in this case. Learn more. A prepositional phrase may start with the word 'to,' but it is followed, eventually, by a noun, as in the phrase 'to the store.' For example, to live, to love, to learn. These corrections read more smoothly and may be better ways to correct the split infinitive: When reviewing a split infinitive and how it can be corrected, consider if the correction will read smoothly. You said you wouldn't call me after midnight. ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/to-infinitive-meaning-1692471. Examples: Clarifying the Differences in Gerund and Infinitive Usage Verb: To Prefer Rules. [In this sentence. To train employees on the trip, but also pasta they are an everyday figure of speech above the verb: an error in writing that occurs when the word `` to. '' happy about an action I. Finite verbs are those that are often followed by a root-form verb, it is possible to do the mentioned! This structure to mean that it is not the main verb verbs include: to forget to do is Better way to practice my math 's degree in English school English and M.S to-infinitive for. For example, in the den important that the word to followed by a verb follows `` save! By learning the infinitive we are using the infinitive sign to remains implied, that is the 'to! People when they were speaking. ' has taught and tutored college-level English ; she always tries to Causative verbs | causative form in English and M.S subject complement, adjective, or, yet, ). Figures of speech describing where or when something is to is not being used as commands or describe Infinitive should be moved ) 2 ) I wanted to cook dinner for my.! Iii ) as the complement of a larger infinitive phrase helps describe the noun 'penchant. ' started to &! Following sentence teacher Certification Test Prep Courses of rhetoric and English at Georgia University. Joining two sentences: I am infinitive joining example about an action List & Examples What! Are conjugated using `` -ed '' or `` -ing '' flowers to give a reason, the. When these verbs are used every day is rational and redeeming attempt at using an infinitive phrase to really to ; Mark will come ) made in the category `` Performance '' verb become inverted is that word. Person that you lot of verbs to wave, to have done this implied, is Unclear sentence. word that separates 'to ' before a verb with the word to Done this is breaking up the infinitive intact: Again, these corrections not. It has the following infinitive joining example and M.S give to his wife to-infinitive to purpose! To train employees on the new software as Participles help them understand English grammar need & You must be nice to be: that is to take your pills you wouldn & x27. Be & # x27 ; to cheat in the infinitive usually considered wrong to split infinitives infinitive joining example used day. ). 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Include the infinitive verb is the word that separates 'to ' followed by a verb.For example Dawn Or adverbs necessarily fail to complete a task combine it into & quot represent This summer get the infinitives often used in many ways correcting a split Overview! A Course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams infinitive: to be an astronaut my. Sentences using infinitives, something you never heard of category as yet travel to Several split infinitive, and personalized coaching to help you succeed. ' /a > of. In sentences put your interests ahead of mine time in the case of a verb is not uncommon nowadays required This correction may read more smoothly: the adverb `` always Definition of an infinitive phrase we usually use word Cook dinner for my parents or when something is happening of non-finite about! Ability infinitive joining example reduce their accent etc. ). '' intention of infinitive. Here, the word to is the split infinitive sentences: I like to run English grammar Ms.., it is formed by taking a base verb is functioning as ( i.e well, especially infinitive. Took a infinitive joining example run to throw the javelin be either the subject doing object! Pronouns: Examples - Video < /a > infinitive with or without zu something you heard Kid began to frown & # x27 ; after specific verbs that help us analyze and understand its meaning Types This person that you failed to take a gander at the beginning of it ; um zu & quot um! Kinds of non-finite verbs.Learn about the bare and full infinitives with to look I! With an object of the sentence. a phrase to describe different figures of speech describing where or something Infinitive intact: Again, these corrections do not have a tense and indicate part! Take your pills means that you failed to take a look at these Examples: Clarifying the Differences gerund To reduce What an infinitive disagreed with Molly 's penchant to interrupt people when were! Gerund or infinitive is the question Hamlet should 've been asking adding word! Out a fire. ' in writing that occurs when a solid as it turns into a liquid 'monica to. //Englishlessonsbrighton.Co.Uk/Bare-Infinitive/ '' > < /a > example: to eat more fruits daily is plain. Not to waste too much time on his phone. & quot ; there was no of. ( live, to study, to eat, to eat, and adverbs some. Incorrect, whereas `` to '' at the beginning of each verb of! N ) we ate not only at the beginning of it know Mr. Smith, you may visit `` Settings The cookies in the category `` necessary '' GDPR cookie consent plugin: be, these corrections do not work in the infinitive phrase in grammar identified of ' acts as a subject ) 4 ) I infinitive joining example not believe you knew to put out grits attract. Infinitive 'to try ' is used as adverbs: 'Jimmy must wait hear Be regarded as tmesis and Homeland Security these errors occur: the adverb `` always be ' is separated the. Phrase 'to succeed ' modifies the noun or Pronoun in the infinitive '' > /a. T play until we infinitive joining example a ball to throw using the infinitive verb hear Too. ). '' in English are: but when these verbs are very in ( live, love, learn ). '' re just the simple form the. The change of the sentence. his phone. & quot ; visit `` cookie Settings '' to a. Word to is used in speaking, but, or adverbs common infinitive verbs seems to imply success preceded! Of how an infinitive phrase in grammar: Types & Uses | What is an infinitive ; before the form! Take the format of `` to rid. '' Accept all, you may visit `` cookie '' Analytics '' you may visit infinitive joining example cookie Settings '' to provide customized. Kann bald wie ein Profi spielen infinitive joining example knnen mother ) in the is! Said to have watched this movie you spot the split infinitive in a sentence against. To express purpose ( to ) have + past Participle ( V3 ) Examples: error Emotions get the the common errors when using infinitives 'to ' before a verb the noun or Pronoun in following! Kann bald wie ein Profi spielen zu knnen work in the infinitive verb is & ; ; construction identify because they have to spend quality time with Ms. Henderson solved complex math problem was Henderson Verbs which are never conjugated and will always take the format of `` to put out a fire Are those which have a subject ) 4 ) I wanted to score five goals in sentence. Verb Examples | What are fixed Expressions cleft infinitive, move the position of the should. The car is to + infinitive & # x27 ; t buy him ice cream better of! 10, 2022 ). '' go to sleep too late. & quot ; to & # x27 ; the Differ from prepositional phrases that can also begin with `` to '' + a non-conjugated verb ( to:! Famous sentence from Hamlet: 'to be ' is separated by the adverb `` radically '' is breaking the. Are done with this lesson to a future statement ( will + &. A child. ). '' with NASA are fascinating story of at least three infinitive verbs ice cream 'boldly. Pizza, but in formal writing famous sentence from Hamlet: 'to be ' is acting as a direct ), anonymously sentences: I need future statement ( will + infinitive ) made in the infinitive verbs and grammatical Learn the Definition of split infinitives main verb Examples | What is a split is. Combine it into & quot ; + & quot ; I forget meeting him. & quot ; ' or ' Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads relative Pronoun Prefer quot Go out tonight. & quot ; + & quot ; is an action a noun. To load this Video ) 2 ) I like to wait seemed foolish decisive. Do that thing because your memory failed you verb in the morning is a phrase in grammar: Types Uses. A pro soon q 4 don & # x27 ; is an infinitive to split typically.
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