Exercises Join the following pairs of sentences using infinitives

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 11 views

Exercises Join the following pairs of sentences using infinitives

Understanding the Concept of Infinitives

Infinitives are a fundamental part of the English language, used to express actions, states, or events. They are formed by adding the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and are often used to express purpose, intention, or possibility. In this exercise, we will join pairs of sentences using infinitives to create cohesive and grammatically correct sentences.

Exercise 1: Raman went to the post office. He wanted to buy some stamps.

To join these two sentences, we need to use an infinitive to express the purpose or intention of Raman's action. The correct sentence would be:

Raman went to the post office to buy some stamps.

In this sentence, the infinitive "to buy some stamps" expresses the purpose of Raman's visit to the post office.

Exercise 2: The children went to the beach. They wanted to have a picnic.

Similarly, to join these two sentences, we need to use an infinitive to express the purpose or intention of the children's action. The correct sentence would be:

The children went to the beach to have a picnic.

In this sentence, the infinitive "to have a picnic" expresses the purpose of the children's visit to the beach.

Exercise 3: Rita went to the library. She wanted to borrow a book.

To join these two sentences, we need to use an infinitive to express the purpose or intention of Rita's action. The correct sentence would be:

Rita went to the library to borrow a book.

In this sentence, the infinitive "to borrow a book" expresses the purpose of Rita's visit to the library.

Using Infinitives to Express Purpose or Intention

Infinitives are often used to express purpose or intention, as seen in the exercises above. For example:

She went to the store to buy milk.
He studied hard to pass the exam.
They traveled to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower.

In each of these sentences, the infinitive expresses the purpose or intention of the action.

Using Infinitives to Express Possibility or Ability

Infinitives can also be used to express possibility or ability. For example:

I want to learn how to play the guitar.
She is able to speak three languages.
He is willing to help with the project.

In each of these sentences, the infinitive expresses the possibility or ability of the subject.

Using Infinitives to Express Necessity or Obligation

Infinitives can also be used to express necessity or obligation. For example:

I have to finish my homework before bedtime.
She needs to study for the exam tomorrow.
He must attend the meeting on Friday.

In each of these sentences, the infinitive expresses the necessity or obligation of the subject.

Conclusion

Infinitives are a fundamental part of the English language, used to express actions, states, or events. They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and are often used to express purpose, intention, or possibility. In this exercise, we joined pairs of sentences using infinitives to create cohesive and grammatically correct sentences. We also explored the different ways infinitives can be used to express purpose, possibility, necessity, or obligation.

Common Errors to Avoid

When using infinitives, it's essential to avoid common errors such as:

Using the infinitive marker "to" before a verb that is not in the base form.
Using the infinitive marker "to" before a verb that is in the present participle form (e.g. "to running").
Using the infinitive marker "to" before a verb that is in the past participle form (e.g. "to have eaten").

Tips for Using Infinitives Effectively

To use infinitives effectively, follow these tips:

Use the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb.
Use infinitives to express purpose, intention, possibility, necessity, or obligation.
Avoid using infinitives with verbs that are not in the base form.
Avoid using infinitives with verbs that are in the present participle or past participle form.

By following these tips and avoiding common errors, you can use infinitives effectively to create cohesive and grammatically correct sentences.
Exercises Join the following pairs of sentences using infinitives

Q&A: Infinitives in English

Q: What is an infinitive in English?

A: An infinitive is a verb form that begins with the word "to" and expresses an action, state, or event. It is used to express purpose, intention, possibility, necessity, or obligation.

Q: How do I form an infinitive?

A: To form an infinitive, you need to add the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb. For example:

To run
To eat
To study

Q: What is the difference between an infinitive and a present participle?

A: An infinitive begins with the word "to" and expresses an action, state, or event, while a present participle ends in "-ing" and expresses an ongoing action. For example:

I want to run (infinitive)
I am running (present participle)

Q: Can I use an infinitive with any verb?

A: No, you cannot use an infinitive with any verb. You need to use the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb. For example:

I want to eat (correct)
I want eating (incorrect)

Q: Can I use an infinitive with a verb that is in the past participle form?

A: No, you cannot use an infinitive with a verb that is in the past participle form. For example:

I have to eat (correct)
I have to have eaten (incorrect)

Q: How do I use infinitives to express purpose or intention?

A: To use infinitives to express purpose or intention, you need to use the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb. For example:

I went to the store to buy milk.
She studied hard to pass the exam.

Q: How do I use infinitives to express possibility or ability?

A: To use infinitives to express possibility or ability, you need to use the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb. For example:

I want to learn how to play the guitar.
She is able to speak three languages.

Q: How do I use infinitives to express necessity or obligation?

A: To use infinitives to express necessity or obligation, you need to use the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb. For example:

I have to finish my homework before bedtime.
She needs to study for the exam tomorrow.

Q: What are some common errors to avoid when using infinitives?

A: Some common errors to avoid when using infinitives include:

Using the infinitive marker "to" before a verb that is not in the base form.
Using the infinitive marker "to" before a verb that is in the present participle form.
Using the infinitive marker "to" before a verb that is in the past participle form.

Q: How can I use infinitives effectively in my writing?

A: To use infinitives effectively in your writing, follow these tips:

Use the infinitive marker "to" before the base form of a verb.
Use infinitives to express purpose, intention, possibility, necessity, or obligation.
Avoid using infinitives with verbs that are not in the base form.
Avoid using infinitives with verbs that are in the present participle or past participle form.

By following these tips and avoiding common errors, you can use infinitives effectively to create cohesive and grammatically correct sentences.