Which Sentence Contains An Infinitive

Decoding the Infinitive: Identifying Infinitives in Sentences

Understanding the infinitive is crucial for mastering sentence structure and grammar. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of identifying sentences containing infinitives, exploring their various forms and functions within the English language. We'll move beyond simple identification to a deeper understanding of how infinitives enrich sentence meaning and complexity. By the end, you'll be confident in pinpointing infinitives and appreciating their role in crafting effective and nuanced sentences.

What is an Infinitive?

Before we dive into sentence identification, let's define our key term. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, preceded by the word "to." It's essentially the verb in its most basic, unconjugated state. For example, "to run," "to eat," "to sing," and "to be" are all infinitives. It's important to note that while "to" is typically present, there are exceptions we'll address later.

Identifying Sentences Containing Infinitives: A Step-by-Step Approach

Identifying sentences with infinitives is a straightforward process once you understand the structure. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Identify the Verbs: Begin by locating all the verbs in the sentence. Remember, verbs express actions or states of being.
Look for "to" + Verb: After pinpointing the verbs, scan for instances of "to" followed immediately by a verb in its base form. This "to" + verb combination is your infinitive.
Consider Context: Sometimes, the "to" might function as a preposition rather than part of an infinitive. Context is key here. A true infinitive will function as a noun, adjective, or adverb within the sentence, while a prepositional "to" will indicate direction or purpose.
Beware of Exceptions: While most infinitives are preceded by "to," some verbs are followed by bare infinitives (infinitives without "to"). These are typically verbs of perception, such as see, hear, feel, make, and let. For example, "I saw him leave the room" contains a bare infinitive.
Analyze the Function: Once you've identified the infinitive, consider its role within the sentence. Does it function as a noun (subject or object), an adjective (modifying a noun), or an adverb (modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb)? Understanding the infinitive's function provides a deeper understanding of its impact on the sentence's meaning.

Examples of Sentences Containing Infinitives

Let's illustrate with a range of examples, showcasing the various functions of infinitives:

1. Infinitive as a Noun (Subject):

To err is human. Here, "to err" acts as the subject of the sentence.

2. Infinitive as a Noun (Object):

She wants to travel the world. "To travel" is the object of the verb "wants."
He decided to postpone the meeting. "To postpone" is the object of the verb "decided."
My goal is to succeed in my career. "To succeed" is a noun phrase acting as the complement following "is."

3. Infinitive as an Adjective:

I have a lot of work to do. "To do" modifies the noun "work," describing its nature.
She received a scholarship to study abroad. "To study" modifies the noun "scholarship," describing its purpose.
He needs a tool to open this box. "To open" modifies "tool," describing its intended use.

4. Infinitive as an Adverb:

He studied hard to pass the exam. "To pass" modifies the verb "studied," explaining the reason.
She is too young to drive. "To drive" modifies the adjective "young," indicating capability.
They were eager to learn more about the topic. "To learn" modifies the adjective "eager," indicating reason or desire.

5. Sentences with Bare Infinitives:

I heard him sing a beautiful song. "Sing" is a bare infinitive following the perception verb "heard".
They made me laugh uncontrollably. "Laugh" is a bare infinitive following the causative verb "made."
Let's go home. "Go" is a bare infinitive following the causative verb "let."

More Complex Examples and Nuances

Let's explore sentences with slightly more complex infinitive structures:

To truly understand the concept requires careful study. ("To truly understand" is the subject)
He went to the store to buy milk and bread. (Infinitives can be part of a compound object or phrase)
She is determined to not only finish her degree but also to publish her research. (Infinitives can be linked with coordinating conjunctions)
The best way to learn a new language is through immersion. (Infinitive phrase acting as the subject)

Distinguishing Infinitives from Prepositional Phrases

A common point of confusion arises when the word "to" precedes a noun or noun phrase. In such cases, "to" functions as a preposition, not as part of an infinitive.

Infinitive: He wants to travel to Europe. ("To travel" is the infinitive)

Prepositional Phrase: He went to Europe last summer. ("To Europe" is a prepositional phrase)

The key difference lies in the function: the infinitive acts as part of the verb, while the prepositional phrase modifies a noun or verb, describing location, direction, or purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can an infinitive be split?

A: Yes, infinitives can be split, meaning words can be placed between "to" and the verb. While some style guides discourage excessive splitting, it's grammatically acceptable in many cases. For example, "I want to quickly finish this project" is grammatically correct, even though the infinitive "to finish" is split by the adverb "quickly." However, overly long splits can make sentences clunky and harder to read.

Q: What about the passive infinitive?

A: The passive infinitive is formed using "to be" + past participle. For example, "to be seen," "to be loved," "to be forgotten." These function similarly to active infinitives, but express the action passively.

Q: Can an infinitive have modifiers?

A: Yes, infinitives can be modified by adverbs and adverbial phrases, just like other verbs. Examples include "to quickly run," "to carefully consider," "to thoroughly investigate."

Q: How do infinitives relate to other grammatical concepts?

A: Understanding infinitives enhances your grasp of other grammatical concepts, including verb tenses, sentence structure, and subordinate clauses. Mastering infinitives allows for more precise and nuanced expression.

Conclusion: Mastering the Infinitive

Identifying sentences containing infinitives requires a keen understanding of verb forms and sentence structure. By recognizing the "to" + verb combination and considering the infinitive's role within the sentence, you can confidently pinpoint these crucial grammatical elements. Remember to pay attention to context and be aware of exceptions, particularly bare infinitives. Mastering infinitives is not just about correct identification; it's about appreciating their versatility in enriching sentence meaning and complexity. With practice and careful observation, you'll become proficient at recognizing and utilizing infinitives to enhance your writing and understanding of the English language. The more you practice, the easier it will become to spot these essential grammatical components within sentences, expanding your grammatical toolkit and improving your ability to write clearly and effectively. This comprehensive understanding will significantly aid in your overall grammatical proficiency.