B1 – infinitives
In this activity, you will see around 10 sentences with a blank space. Your task is to choose the correct option from 3 possible answers. Only one is correct. At the end, you will see a summary with the correct answers and explanations, so you can learn and improve. Good luck!
Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often preceded by ‘to’. They are essential in English for expressing purpose, intention, and goals. Understanding how to use infinitives correctly can greatly enhance your communication skills.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the form of a verb that usually comes with ‘to’, such as ‘to eat’, ‘to play’, or ‘to learn’. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Using Infinitives for Purpose
One common use of infinitives is to express purpose. For example:
- She studies hard to pass her exams.
- They went to the park to have a picnic.
In these sentences, the infinitives ‘to pass’ and ‘to have’ explain the reason behind the actions.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse infinitives with gerunds (the -ing form of a verb). For example, saying ‘I enjoy to swim’ is incorrect. The correct form is ‘I enjoy swimming’. Remember, use infinitives to express purpose and gerunds for enjoyment or preference.
Tips for Using Infinitives
1. Always use ‘to’ before the verb when expressing purpose.
2. Be careful not to mix infinitives with gerunds in sentences.
3. Practice by creating sentences that explain why you do certain activities.
How to Practice Infinitives
To improve your understanding of infinitives, try writing sentences about your daily activities and include the purpose of each action using infinitives. For example, ‘I wake up early to exercise‘. This will help reinforce your learning.
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Preguntas frecuentes
What is an infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by ‘to’, such as ‘to eat’ or ‘to learn’.
How do I use infinitives to express purpose?
Infinitives are used to explain the reason behind an action, for example, ‘I study hard to pass my exams’.
Can I use infinitives without 'to'?
In some cases, such as after modal verbs (can, should, must), the ‘to’ is omitted, e.g., ‘I can swim’.
What is the difference between infinitives and gerunds?
Infinitives are the base form of a verb with ‘to’, while gerunds are the -ing form of a verb. For example, ‘to run’ (infinitive) vs. ‘running’ (gerund).
Can infinitives be used as nouns?
Yes, infinitives can function as nouns in a sentence, such as ‘To learn is important’.
Are there any common mistakes with infinitives?
A common mistake is confusing infinitives with gerunds, such as saying ‘I enjoy to swim’ instead of ‘I enjoy swimming’.
How can I practice using infinitives?
You can practice by writing sentences that explain your daily activities using infinitives, like ‘I go to the gym to stay fit’.
Where can I learn more about infinitives?
You can learn more about infinitives at dimeloeningles.com, a platform that offers interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support for learning English.
