Lesson 235 - Parts of the Sentence - Verbals - Adverb Infinitives

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An infinitive is a verbal that is to plus a verb form. It can be used as an adverb. 

 

Examples: 

to be, to see, to be seen, to be eaten

Adverb infinitives are used to modify verbs. They usually tell why. Adverb infinitives are used to modify predicate adjectives. They may also be compound.

An infinitive phrase is made up of an infinitive and any complements (direct objects, predicate nominatives, predicate adjectives, or modifiers).

Instructions: Find the infinitives or infinitive phrases in these sentences and tell what word they modify.

 

1. The inspector came to check the dam for leaks.

2. Fred finally went to work.

3. Paul arrived in New York to study physics and to learn more.

4. Are you old enough to drive?

5. The new soldiers were ready to listen and obey.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The inspector came to check the dam for leaks.

- to check the dam for leaks modifies came

2. Fred finally went to work.

- to work modifies went

3. Paul arrived in New York to study physics and to learn more.

- to study physics and to learn more modify arrived

4. Are you old enough to drive?

- to drive modifies old

5. The new soldiers were ready to listen and obey.

- to listen and (to) obey modify ready

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