A. Identifying Infinitives and Infinitive Phrases
Underline the infinitive phrase once in each sentence. Underline the infinitive twice.
1. To spend a day without encountering some type of computer is impossible.
2. Most retail stores use computers to keep an accurate count of their
merchandise in stock.
3. Computer analysis of geological areas helps oil companies to select drilling sites.
4. Giant computerized "arms " help to pour molten steel into molds.
5. Highly specialized computers are needed to navigate spacecrafts.
6. A programming mistake may cause an entire mission to fail.
7. Many animated films use computers to produce high quality pictures.
8. Presently, great strides are being made to design even more complex
computers that think for themselves.
B. Identifying Infinitive Phrases
Underline the infinitive phrase in each sentence. On the blank to the right of each
the sentence, N for a noun, ADJ for an adjective, or ADV for an adverb.
1. The selection committee plans to evaluate the qualifications of the candidates.
2. To combat rabies is one reason for inoculating pets.
3. The owner of the amusement park uses admission fees to pay his property taxes.
4. The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate the town's bicentennial.
5. The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from northern invaders.
6. The president of the company asked her to call a meeting.
7. Maoris, the first people to inhabit New Zealand, belong to the Polynesian race.
8. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to catch the beginning of the show.