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Infinitive phrases ("to" form of a verb) can be nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. As adverbs, they answer the question "why" or "for what purpose."

In the sentence "Applicants must swim five miles to qualify as a lifeguard" the infinitive phrase "to qualify as a lifeguard" modifies the verb "must swim" gives the reason why they are swimming.

In the sentence "She is old enough to drive" the infinitive modifies the adjective "old."

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What is infenitive phrase?

An infinitive phrase is a group of words that begins with an infinitive (to + verb) and includes any modifiers or complements. It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. For example, "to swim in the ocean" is an infinitive phrase in the sentence "I like to swim in the ocean."


How can you tell the difference between an infinitive phrase and a prepositional phrase?

In an infinitive phrase, it is always a preposition, and something you can do. For example: I like to think about my family. In this sentence to think is an infinitive phrase, and about my family is a prepositional phrase. to think, to be, to run, to do, to rescue, are all some of the MANY infinitives. Think this when you are trying to figure out if it is an infinitive phrase: to and something you can do! If it is something you can do after the preposition, then it is an INFINITIVE!


Is the phrase to become an infinitive phrase?

Yes, the phrase "to become" is an infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase consists of the word "to" followed by a verb in its base form, and it functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.


What is a infinitive phrase?

"To boldly go where no man has gone before."


In which sentence does the underlined adverb clause modify an infinitive?

The underlined adverb clause modifies an infinitive in the sentence: "She arrived early to win the race." In this sentence, "to win the race" is the infinitive phrase, and the adverb clause "early" modifies the purpose or reason for her arrival.

Related Questions

What type of phrase is to be?

An infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase is a noun phrase with an infinitive as its head. Unlike the other noun phrases, however, an infinitive phrase can also function as an adjective or an adverb.


What is the function of an infinitive phrase in a sentence?

noun, adjective, and adverb


What is the infinitive phrase in the sentence you are happy to finish your test?

"to finish your test" is the infinitive phrase.


What is infenitive phrase?

An infinitive phrase is a group of words that begins with an infinitive (to + verb) and includes any modifiers or complements. It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. For example, "to swim in the ocean" is an infinitive phrase in the sentence "I like to swim in the ocean."


How can you tell the difference between an infinitive phrase and a prepositional phrase?

In an infinitive phrase, it is always a preposition, and something you can do. For example: I like to think about my family. In this sentence to think is an infinitive phrase, and about my family is a prepositional phrase. to think, to be, to run, to do, to rescue, are all some of the MANY infinitives. Think this when you are trying to figure out if it is an infinitive phrase: to and something you can do! If it is something you can do after the preposition, then it is an INFINITIVE!


What role does the infinitive phrase play in this sentence I am happy to finish my test?

adverb


What role does the infinitive phrase in this sentence we met at the park to run?

Adverb


How is the infinitive phrase The board met to consider the proposal?

AdVerb


Is the phrase to become an infinitive phrase?

Yes, the phrase "to become" is an infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase consists of the word "to" followed by a verb in its base form, and it functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.


Is to become famous an adverb?

"To become famous" is an infinitive phrase. It could serve as a noun, adjective, or adverb, but there is no adverb in it.


What is a infinitive phrase?

"To boldly go where no man has gone before."


You met at the park to run. What role does the infinitive phrase play in this sentence?

The infinitive phrase plays the role of an adverb in this sentence. It tells why you met at the park. In the sentence "You met at the park to run", "to run" is the infinitive phrase.