Functions & Types of Infinitives
An infinitive is the most basic form of a verb, typically preceded by the word "to." In English, it comes in
two forms: the "to-infinitive" (e.g., to run, to write) and the "bare infinitive" (e.g., run, write). They serve
various functions in sentences, acting as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Ex: To eat (To-infinitive)
Ex: Eat (Bare infinitive)
Functions of Infinitives
As a Noun
Infinitives can serve as subjects, direct objects, or subject complements.
Ex: To sleep is the only thing I desire right now. (Subject)
Ex: I like to read novels. (Direct Object)
Ex: My goal is to graduate. (Subject Complement)
As an Adjective
Infinitives can modify nouns, often answering the question of “which one?”
Ex: I need a book to read. (Which book? The book to read.)
As an Adverb
Infinitives can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Ex: I came here to learn. (Modifying the verb "came")
Ex: She is eager to help. (Modifying the adjective "eager")
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive is an infinitive that has an adverb between "to" and the verb.
Ex: To boldly go where no one has gone before.
Ex: She decided to quickly eat before the meeting.
Updated September 2023 by The Learning Center staff at ECC. general_tutoring@eastcentral.edu
Split infinitives are often considered more casual, but they are generally accepted in modern English.
However, for formal writing, it’s often advised to avoid them.
Infinitive Phrases
An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive and any accompanying objects, modifiers, or both.
Ex: To write a bestselling novel (To write + a bestselling novel)
Ex: To swim across the lake (To swim + across the lake)
Practice Exercise
1. Identify the infinitive in the following sentence: "She wants to visit the museum."
2. Turn the infinitive into a split infinitive: "To read"
3. For each sentence, identify the infinitive or infinitive phrase:
a) We hope to win the championship.
b) They're learning to speak French.
c) He agreed to help us with the project.
d) To swim in the ocean is refreshing.
e) She decided to quickly finish her work.
4. Determine the function of the infinitive in each sentence: noun, adjective, or adverb.
a) She likes to read.
b) The book to read is "1984."
c) They went to the park to play.
d) To sleep is a luxury these days.
e) She chose the dress to impress.
5. Take the given infinitives and create a sentence using a split infinitive.
a) To eat
b) To write
c) To think
d) To go
e) To sing
6. Correct the sentences that contain infinitive errors.
a) I like to of swim.
b) He should of know better.
c) They ought to not do that.
d) I decided to quickly to eat.
