Infinitive Phrases

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Infinitive Phrases
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Definition

• An infinitive is a verb form, usually beginning
  with the word to, that can act as a NOUN, ADJ
  or ADV.
• Infinitive phrases take on several functions in a
  sentence Subject, DO, PN, ADJ or ADV

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Examples

• Subject To yodel on a mountaintop is an acquired
  skill, taking many years to perfect.
• Direct Ob Since he was six, Jean-Pierre has
  tried to yodel on a mountaintop. (tried what?)
• Pred. Nom Jean-Pierres life-long goal is to
  yodel on a mountaintop.(goal is what?)

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Examples

• Adj The Alps is the perfect place to yodel on a
  mountaintop. (describes place)
• Adv To yodel on a mountaintop, Jean-Pierre will
  have to practice many more years. (tells WHY he
  will practice)

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Identify the Infinitive phrase and its function

• Many bees are needed to form a honeybee colony.
• The queen bees main job is to lay eggs.
• The drones, or male bees, exist only to mate.
• The all-female worker bees have a lot more work
  to do.
• They build the honeycomb as a place to raise
  young bees.