Infinitive Phrase Examples in Literature: Grade 8 ELA

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🎯 An infinitive phrase is made up of the word "to" + a verb + any modifiers or complements.
• ✍🏽 Infinitive phrases function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
• 📖 As nouns: They can be subjects, direct objects, predicate nominatives, or appositives (e.g., *To err* is human.).
• ⚙️ As adjectives: They modify nouns or pronouns (e.g., He needs a book *to read*.).
• 🗺️ As adverbs: They modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., She went to the store *to buy milk*.).
• 💡 Be mindful of misplaced modifiers. Make sure your infinitive phrase is clearly connected to the word it modifies.
• 🧠 Look for the core "to + verb" to identify the infinitive before analyzing its function.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences contains an infinitive phrase acting as a noun?
   1. To dance gracefully takes practice.
   2. She used all her energy to finish the race.
   3. He bought a new notebook to write in.
   4. The best way to learn is to practice.
2. In which sentence does the infinitive phrase function as an adjective?
   1. I need a pen to sign the document.
   2. To forgive is divine.
   3. He went to the library to study.
   4. She likes to sing.
3. Identify the sentence where the infinitive phrase acts as an adverb.
   1. They traveled to Italy to see the Colosseum.
   2. To understand requires patience.
   3. The tool to use is in the garage.
   4. I have many things to do.
4. Which sentence does NOT contain an infinitive phrase?
   1. He helped me clean.
   2. I want to eat.
   3. She needs to study.
   4. They decided to leave.
5. In the sentence, "The opportunity to excel is now," what is the function of the infinitive phrase?
   1. Adjective
   2. Adverb
   3. Noun
   4. Verb
6. Which of the following is an example of an infinitive phrase?
   1. Running quickly
   2. With great enthusiasm
   3. To boldly go
   4. Because of the rain
7. What is the infinitive phrase in the sentence: "She studied hard to pass the test."
   1. She studied
   2. To pass the test
   3. Studied hard
   4. The test