Infinitive phrase
Infinitive Phrase: Definition, Types and Examples

Whether you know or don't know what an infinitive phrase is, it's certain that you make use of infinitive phrases in your speech everyday. Because infinitive phrases are essential parts of our conversational language, all English language learners need to learn infinitive phrase and its types and functions. In this article, we have discussed infinitive phrase definition, meaning, types and functions with examples. 

What is an Infinitive Phrase?

Merriam-Webster defines infinitive as a verb form normally identical in English with the first person singular that performs some functions of a noun and at the same time displays some characteristics of a verb and that is used with to (as in "I asked him to go") except with auxiliary and various other verbs (as in "no one saw him leave").

Cambridge Dictionary defines infinitive as a basic form of a verb that usually follows "to" (as in I had to go.) and (as in I must go.) 

From the definitions above, it's clear that an infinitive or infinitive phrase is basically a verb used with the preposition "to" as in to go or without it as in must go. Note that an infinitive is a form of verb, but it never serves the function of a verb. Infinitives or infinitive phrases function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs which we've described in types and functions of infinitive phrase below.

Note also that when we talk of an infinitive phrase, we mean an infinitive phrase with its modifiers such as pronouns, objects or complements used with it as in My goal is to attain a bachelor's degree in English literature. 

Types and Functions of Infinitive Phrase

Infinitives are basically classed into two categories. They are bare infinitives and to-infinitives based on their forms which we've just talked about. However, based on what type of function an infinitive does, an infinitive is categorized into three types such as infinitive as a noun, infinitive as an adjective and infinitive as an adverb.

1. Infinitive Phrase As a Noun

An infinitive phrase as a noun does the function of a noun: acting as the subject, object or subject complement in a sentence.  

Examples:

(a) To get into Harvard University requires a lot of hard work. (as a subject)

(b) I love to read novels. (as an object)

(c) Our goal is to win the match. (as a subject complement)

In example (a), the noun infinitive phrase, to get into Harvard University acts as the subject of the verb requires. In example (b), the noun infinitive phrase, to read novels acts as the object of the verb, love. In example (c), the noun infinitive phrase, to win the match performs the role of a subject complement. 

2. Infinitive Phrase As an Adjective

An infinitive phrase as an adjective performs the role of an adjective: modifying a noun. The adjectival infinitive is placed after the noun it modifies in a sentence. 

Examples:

(a) The best person to take advice from is your teacher. 

(b) Today, our teacher has given 3 assignments to complete. 

In example (a), the adjectival infinitive, to take advice from describes the noun used before it: the best person. In example (b), the adjectival infinitive, to complete describes the noun, assignments. 

3. Infinitive Phrase As an Adverb 

An infinitive phrase as an adverb like an adverb carries out the role of describing a verb in a sentence. Adverbial phrase are usually placed in the beginning or at the end of a sentence. 

Examples:

(a) He went to the market to buy a watch. 

(b) To score well in the entrance test, you must work hard. 

In example (a), the adverbial infinitive phrase, to buy a watch describes the verb went and answers the question why he went to the market. In example (b), the adverbial infinitive phrase, to score well in the entrance test modifies or describes the verb work hard and answers the question why he must work hard.

How Do You Identify Infinitive Phrase?

To identify an infinitive phrase, look at the following points:

1. if the infinitive phrase is a subject, object or subject complement, then it's a noun infinitive phrase.

2. If the infinitive phrase modifies or describes a noun, then it's an adjectival infinitive phrase.

3. If the infinitive phrase modifies or describes a verb, then it's an adverbial infinitive phrase. 

Infinitive Phrase Exercise 

Check your understanding of noun, adjectival and adverbial infinitive phrases by answering the below-given questions. Identify the type of infinitive in the following sentences.

1. I want to go. 

2. She loves to swim. 

3. I work hard to score well.

4. Out of these, which is the best novel to read. 

5. To learn spoken English, you need to speak with your friends in English. 

Answer keys: 1. noun infinitive 2. noun infinitive 3. adverbial infinitive 4. adjectival infinitive 5. adverbial infinitive

FAQs

What is an infinitive phrase with an example?

An infinitive phrase is the basic form of a verb used with or without the preposition, "to" that functions as noun, adjective or adverb as in "He wants to go.", "This is the best novel to read." and "You need to work hard to top the class.".

What are the 10 examples of infinitive?

1. He loves to eat pizza. 
2. She goes to the library to study. 
3. I had to go. 
4. The best book to read is the Arabian Nights. 
5. The teacher gave us two assignments to complete.
6. To do so, you need to do that. 
7. You must attend the class. 
8. I can eat 10 apples. 
9. The purpose of study is to develop one's personality.
10. The easiest way to earn money is to tell others how to earn.