Section 1
The Infinitive
Definition
An infinitive is a verb form that can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Most infinitives begin with to.
Explanation
An infinitive is the basic form of a verb, like 'to run' or 'to jump'. Think of it as the verb's "to do" form! It can act like a noun, adjective, or adverb. A handy trick to spot one is to look for the word to followed immediately by a verb. If to is followed by a noun, it's likely part of a prepositional phrase, not an infinitive.
Examples
- We went to the park to play! [The first 'to' is a preposition because it's followed by the noun park. The second 'to' is part of the infinitive to play because it's followed by the verb 'play'.]
- Do you need to leave? [Is the word to followed by a verb? Yes! So, 'to leave' is the infinitive.]
- The movie was too scary to be watched. [The word 'to' is followed by the verb 'be watched', so to be watched is the infinitive.]