An infinitive is the simple form of a verb along with the word “to,” such as “to walk.” While they look like a verb, they are often used in sentences as nouns,.
The infinitive can appear by itself, or it can be part of a larger infinitive phrase.Examples of infinitives:To runTo walkTo cookTo understandTo makeExamples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as:1) I like to run. (functions as a direct object)2) I wanted to cook dinner for my parents. (functions as a direct object)3) To fly an airplane is a dream of mine.
(functions as a subject)4) I cannot believe you knew to put out grits to attract ants! (functions as a direct object)Examples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as:1) The fair is the place to go. (tells us which place)2) I have some jeans to wash. (tells us which jeans)3) The singer to watch is Joyce. (tells us which singer)4) The kind of flowers to plant are perennials. (tells us which flowers)Examples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as:1) To complete the math problem, you divide by x. (tells why to divide)2) I bought paint to finish the picture for my mom.
(tells why I bought paint)3) To make the cookies, you must add the flour first. (tells why we add flour) Related Links:Infinitives Examples.