Understanding Infinitives of Purpose at B1 Level
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 a fundamental part of English grammar. They are the base form of a verb, often preceded by ‘to’. Understanding how to use infinitives correctly can enhance your writing and speaking skills.
What is an infinitive? An infinitive is the basic form of a verb, such as ‘to eat’, ‘to go’, or ‘to study’. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Using infinitives of purpose is a common way to express why someone does something. This structure typically follows the pattern: subject + verb + infinitive. For example:
- She studies hard to pass her exams.
- He went to the gym to get fit.
In these examples, the infinitive explains the purpose of the action. It answers the question ‘why?’.
Common mistakes: One frequent error is using the gerund form instead of the infinitive. For example, saying ‘I went to the store for buying groceries’ is incorrect. The correct form is ‘I went to the store to buy groceries.’
Tips: When using infinitives of purpose, remember to always use ‘to’ before the verb. This helps clarify the purpose of the action.
How to practice: To improve your understanding of infinitives, try writing sentences about your daily activities using infinitives of purpose. For example, ‘I study English to improve my job opportunities.’ You can also practice with exercises that focus on choosing the correct form of the verb.
No hay video disponible.
Inicia sesión para guardar este ejercicio en tu progreso cuando termines el quiz.
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 go’.
How do I use infinitives of purpose?
Infinitives of purpose explain why an action is done, following the structure: subject + verb + infinitive.
Can you give an example of an infinitive of purpose?
Sure! ‘She studies hard to pass her exams.’ Here, ‘to pass’ explains the purpose of studying.
What is the difference between an infinitive and a gerund?
An infinitive is ‘to’ + verb (e.g., ‘to run’), while a gerund is the verb + -ing form (e.g., ‘running’).
Is it correct to say 'I went to the store for buying milk'?
No, the correct form is ‘I went to the store to buy milk.’
How can I avoid mistakes with infinitives?
Always remember to use ‘to’ before the verb when expressing purpose.
What are some common verbs that are followed by infinitives?
Common verbs include want, need, like, and hope, as in ‘I want to learn English.’
Where can I learn more about infinitives?
You can learn more about infinitives at dimeloeningles.com, a platform for learning English with interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support.