What is an Infinitive Phrase? Definition & Examples for Students

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🎯 An infinitive phrase begins with an infinitive (to + verb).
• ✍️ The infinitive can be followed by objects, complements, or modifiers.
• 📍 The entire phrase functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
• 🧭 Examples:
  • To dance gracefully (adverb)
  • To eat pizza (noun)
  • A book to read (adjective)

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences contains an infinitive phrase acting as a noun?
   1. To run fast is important.
   2. He likes to run.
   3. She went to the store.
   4. Running is his favorite sport.
2. Identify the infinitive phrase in the following sentence: "She needs to study for the test."
   1. She needs
   2. to study for the test
   3. for the test
   4. the test
3. In the sentence, "He went to the library to borrow a book," what is the function of the infinitive phrase?
   1. Noun
   2. Adjective
   3. Adverb
   4. Pronoun
4. Which sentence uses an infinitive phrase as an adjective?
   1. He loves to sing.
   2. She has a report to write.
   3. They went to eat dinner.
   4. To forgive is divine.
5. Choose the sentence where the infinitive phrase is the subject of the sentence.
   1. I want to travel the world.
   2. To err is human.
   3. He likes to read.
   4. She needs to sleep.
6. In the sentence, "It is important to be kind," what is the infinitive phrase?
   1. It is
   2. to be kind
   3. important to be
   4. is important
7. Select the sentence that does NOT contain an infinitive phrase.
   1. They decided to leave early.
   2. She wants to learn French.
   3. He is going home now.
   4. I need to buy groceries.