An Infinitive Phrase
An infinitive is a phrase in its own right: to plus a verb, for example, to read. However, an infinitive phrase can also be the infinitive plus any phrase or clause associated with it.
An Infinitive Phrase is a group of words consisting of an infinitive and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that function as the actor(s), direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the infinitive, such as:
| We intended to leave early. | The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb intended to leave (infinitive) early (adverb). |
| I have a paper to write before class. | The infinitive phrase functions as an adjective modifying paper to write (infinitive) before class (prepositional phrase as adverb) |
| Phil agreed to give me a ride. | The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb agreed. to give (infinitive) me (indirect object of action expressed in infinitive) a ride (direct object of action expressed in infinitive) |
| They asked me to bring some food. | The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb asked me (actor or "subject" of infinitive phrase) to bring (infinitive) some food (direct object of action expressed in infinitive) |
| Everyone wanted Carol to be the captain of the team. | The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb wanted. Carol (actor or "subject" of infinitive phrase) to be (infinitive) the captain (subject complement for Carol, via state of being expressed in infinitive) of the team (prepositional phrase as adjective) |
Infinitive phrases start with an infinitive which is followed by any objects, and/or modifiers.
Examples:
To tour Australia slowly is my dream.
infinitive: to tour
object: Australia (the direct object of the infinitive)
modifier: slowly (an adverb modifying the infinitive)
infinitive phrase: to tour Australia slowly
I must study to pass my winter exams with good marks.
infinitive: to pass
object: my winter exams (the D.O. of the infinitive)
modifier: with good marks (a prepositional phrase
modifying the infinitive)
infinitive phrase: to pass my winter exams with good marks.
Punctuate an infinitive phrase correctly.
1. When an infinitive phrase introduces a main clause, separate the two sentence components with a comma. The pattern looks like this:
infinitive phrase + , + main clause.
example:
To avoid burning another bag of popcorn, Brendan pressed his nose against the microwave door, sniffing suspiciously with every breath.
2. When an infinitive phrase breaks the flow of a main clause, use a comma both before and after the interrupter. The pattern looks like this:
example:
Those basketball shoes, to be perfectly honest, do not complement the suit you are planning to wear to the interview.
3. When an infinitive phrase concludes a main clause, you need no punctuation to connect the two sentence parts. The pattern looks like this:
main Clause + Ø + infinitive phrase.
example:
Janice and her friends went to the mall to flirt with the cute guys who congregate at the food court.
REFERENCES
