Final answer:
We used the infinitive verb 'to run' to create three sentences that demonstrate its use nominally, adverbially, and adjectivally. Maintaining consistent verb tense is essential for writing clarity, and using active voice can strengthen sentence construction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding how to use infinitives in various sentence structures can improve both writing clarity and versatility. An infinitive verb is the base form of a verb, usually prefixed with 'to'. For example, let's choose the infinitive verb 'to run'.
Here's how we can incorporate 'to run' into three different sentence constructs:
Nominally (as a noun): "To run is my favorite activity."
Adverbially: "She went outside to run despite the cold weather."
Adjectivally: "She had a great desire to run in the marathon next month."
Consider Verb Tenses
When writing, it's crucial to maintain consistency in verb tense unless a shift is necessary to convey the correct timeline of events. In narrative texts, pay careful attention to maintain a coherent sense of whether events are occurring in the present or the past. Writers may change verb tenses unintentionally, but practice and review can make selecting correct verb forms far more intuitive.
Examples of Verb Tense Consistency
Present: "John Lewis takes a courageous stance against injustice when he speaks."
Past: "John Lewis took a courageous stance against injustice when he spoke."
These examples show how the verb tense should match the timeframe in which the event or action is being presented. Moreover, infinitive phrases can take on different roles, such as modifying the main verb or acting as an adjective to modify a noun.
Verb Forms in Active Voice
Using active-voice verbs also contributes to stronger, clearer writing. For example, "I run every morning" (active) versus "Every morning is run by me" (passive). The active construction makes the subject the doer of the action, creating a more direct and powerful sentence.