Understanding Infinitives of Purpose: How to Use Them to Stay Connected
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 an essential part of English grammar, often used to express purpose. In this article, we will explore how to use infinitives to indicate why we do something.
What is an infinitive? An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by ‘to’. For example, ‘to eat’, ‘to play’, and ‘to learn’ are all infinitives.
Using infinitives of purpose involves using the infinitive form of a verb to explain the reason for an action. For example:
- She studies hard to pass her exams.
- They exercise regularly to stay healthy.
In these sentences, the infinitives ‘to pass’ and ‘to stay’ clarify the purpose of studying and exercising.
Common mistakes include using gerunds instead of infinitives. For example, saying ‘I enjoy to swim’ is incorrect; the correct form is ‘I enjoy swimming.’ Remember that some verbs are followed by gerunds, while others are followed by infinitives.
Tips for using infinitives:
- Always use ‘to’ before the base form of the verb when expressing purpose.
- Make sure the infinitive logically connects to the action in the sentence.
How to practice infinitives: To improve your understanding of infinitives, try writing sentences about your daily activities using infinitives of purpose. For example, ‘I read books to learn new things.’ You can also take quizzes and exercises to reinforce your knowledge.
No hay video disponible.
Inicia sesión para guardar este ejercicio en tu progreso cuando termines el quiz.
Preguntas frecuentes
What are infinitives?
Infinitives are the base form of verbs, typically preceded by ‘to’, such as ‘to eat’, ‘to run’, or ‘to learn’.
How do I use infinitives to express purpose?
You use infinitives to explain why you do something, for example, ‘I study to improve my English’.
Can I use infinitives without 'to'?
In some cases, such as after modal verbs (can, should, must), you do not use ‘to’. For example, ‘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, like ‘swimming’.
Are there verbs that are always followed by infinitives?
Yes, some verbs like ‘want’, ‘need’, and ‘hope’ are always followed by infinitives, e.g., ‘I want to learn’.
Can I use two infinitives together?
Yes, you can use two infinitives together, such as in the phrase ‘to want to go’.
How can I practice using infinitives?
You can practice by writing sentences about your daily activities that include infinitives of purpose.
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.
