WRITING LESSON: Expanding by Adding Infinitives to a Sentence Base

INF – V

S – V – INF

DEFINITION

An infinitive is a verb form that is always introduced by to, and may be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Examples:

"To write a perfect 11-sentence paragraph must be a thrill." (infinitive used as a noun -- the subject of the sentence)

"If it were easy to write a perfect paragraph, more people would do it." (infinitive used as an adverb, modifying the adjective "easy")

"The desire to write a perfect paragraph is fairly rare among 8th graders." (infinitive used as an adjective, modifying the noun "desire". What kind of desire is it? The desire to write.)

More Examples:

Lily intended to leave early.	The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb intended. to leave (infinitive) early (adverb)
Asia has a paper to write before class.	The infinitive phrase functions as an adjective modifying paper. to write (infinitive) before class (prepositional phrase as adverb)
Joseph agreed to give me a ride in his new Jaguar convertible.	The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb agreed. to give (infinitive) me (indirect object of action expressed in infinitive) a ride (direct object of action expressed in infinitive)
Julia asked Morgan to bring some food to her reggae party.	The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb asked. Morgan (actor or "subject" of infinitive phrase) to bring (infinitive) some food (direct object of action expressed in infinitive)