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Infinitive – Quiz 1
Infinitive Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of infinitive forms in English and Spanish, including their usage as complements, adverbs, and purpose clauses. It tests the ability to identify correct infinitive forms for expressing willingness or consent, future actions following decisions, and proper verb form agreement. The questions also assess comprehension of infinitives in various grammatical functions and contexts.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Sue ..... see well without her glasses thats why she didn't see us.
A) Should.
B) MustTagsmodal verbs.
C) Can't.
D) Can.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Sue can't see well without her glasses that's why she didn't see us" uses the infinitive form of the verb "can," which is "to can." In this context, "can't" correctly indicates Sue's inability to see well without her glasses.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Should - Incorrect. "Should" implies a suggestion or obligation, not an inability.
Option B:
Must - Incorrect. "Must" suggests necessity, which doesn't fit the context of inability.
Option C:
Can't - Correct. Indicates Sue's inability to see well without her glasses.
Option D:
Can - Incorrect. "Can" would imply ability, contradicting the sentence meaning.
2.
Choose the correct form:Some girls are catty and difficult ..... with.
A) To have lived.
B) To be lived.
C) To live.
D) Live.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct form is
"to live."
The infinitive "to live" functions as an adverb here, modifying the verb "are." It indicates a manner in which some girls are catty and difficult. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To have lived" is a perfect infinitive and does not fit the context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To be lived" is not a standard form in English.
Option C:
Correct. "To live" functions as an adverb modifying the verb phrase, indicating manner.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Live" alone does not fit grammatically in this context.
3.
We wanted to go for a walk, but it's too cold (a) outside, and we didn't bring our coats!
A) To pass.
B) A. to go.
C) To come.
D) To have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to go" is used to express purpose in this sentence, indicating the intention to walk. The phrase "we wanted to go for a walk" shows that going for a walk was their intended action despite the cold weather and lack of coats.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To pass - This option is irrelevant as it does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option B:
A. to go - Correct, as "to go" functions as the infinitive form expressing their intention.
Option C:
To come - This would imply a different action and is not relevant here.
Option D:
To have - This does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
4.
I've finished ..... !
A) Cooking.
B) To cook.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "Cooking" is a noun and can be completed, making it suitable for the sentence structure "I've finished ... !". The infinitive form "To cook" (Option B) cannot stand alone as a complete action in this context. Option C includes both forms, which is redundant here. Option D is incorrect since there is a valid choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Cooking" is a noun that can be completed with the phrase "I've finished cooking!"
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive form "To cook" cannot stand alone as a complete action in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both forms are redundant here, and only one is needed to complete the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a valid choice among the options provided.
5.
Nos molesta que muchas personas ..... nuestro medio ambiente.$^{It bothers us that many people destroy our environment.}$
A) Destruir.
B) Destruyen.
C) Destruyan.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Destruyan.
This option uses the subjunctive form of the verb "destruir" (to destroy), which is required after the infinitive "que" in this sentence. The structure "Nos molesta que... destroen nuestro medio ambiente" would be incorrect because it does not follow Spanish grammar rules for expressing wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; uses the infinitive form which is not appropriate after "que".
Option B:
Incorrect; uses the third-person plural form which does not fit the subjunctive requirement.
Option C:
Correct; uses the subjunctive form required by the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
My boss suggested ..... English lessons.
A) Taking.
B) To take.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of a verb is used after certain verbs that express suggestions, requests, and offers, such as "suggest," "recommend," "advise," etc. In this case, the sentence structure requires an infinitive to follow "suggested." Therefore, "Taking" (Option A) is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form after "suggested."
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses a verb in its base form without 'to,' which is not appropriate here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Includes both forms, making it incorrect as only one should be used.
Option D:
Incorrect. No valid option fits the context of the sentence.
7.
Which revision fixes the error while keeping the intended infinitive type? Original:She is agree to come
A) She agrees come today.
B) She agrees to come.
C) She is agreeing to come.
D) She is agree come.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the proper infinitive form "to come" after the verb "agrees." In English, when expressing willingness or consent to do something in the future, we use the infinitive with "to."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Agreement is a state of mind and does not require an ongoing action; thus, present continuous tense (is agreeing) is unnecessary.
Option B:
Correct. Uses the proper infinitive form "to come" after "agrees."
Option C:
Incorrect. Present continuous tense (is agreeing) is not appropriate for expressing willingness or consent to do something in the future.
Option D:
Incorrect. Agreement is a state of mind and does not require an ongoing action; thus, present continuous tense (is agree) is unnecessary.
8.
A cargo of 3 tons of rice was delivered to a foreign company yesterday, payment to be made within 30 days
A) AM of result.
B) AM of purpose.
C) AM of of attendant circumstances.
D) AM of comparison.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "A cargo of 3 tons of rice was delivered to a foreign company yesterday, payment to be made within 30 days" provides additional information about the circumstances surrounding the delivery and payment process. This type of information is known as attendant circumstances in English grammar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
AM of result - Incorrect. Result refers to what happens after an action, not additional details.
Option B:
AM of purpose - Incorrect. Purpose indicates why something is done, which is not the case here.
Option C:
AM of attendant circumstances - Correct. Attendant circumstances provide extra information about the situation or context.
Option D:
AM of comparison - Incorrect. Comparison involves comparing two things, which is not applicable in this sentence.
9.
There are ..... forms of the infinitive for intransitive verbs
A) Ten.
B) Four.
C) Eight.
D) Six.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of an intransitive verb is always "to + base form" without any additional forms, making the correct answer four options: to walk, to run, to jump, and so on.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. There are not ten forms for infinitives of intransitive verbs.
Option B:
Correct. Infinitive forms of intransitive verbs always start with "to" followed by the base form, resulting in four basic forms (though this number can vary based on context and usage).
Option C:
Incorrect. There are not eight forms for infinitives of intransitive verbs.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are not six forms for infinitives of intransitive verbs.
10.
I regret ..... you that there are no seats on the 12:30 flight.
A) To inform.
B) Informing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to inform" is used to express the purpose of the action in this sentence. It correctly introduces the main verb phrase that follows, indicating what the speaker intends to do by regretting something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive "to inform" properly sets up the purpose of the statement.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Informing" is a gerund, not an infinitive and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are incorrect; only A fits the sentence structure correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
11.
We went to the library ..... some books.
A) Had borrowed.
B) To borrow.
C) Borrowing.
D) Borrowed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We went to the library
to borrow
some books." uses an infinitive phrase as a purpose clause, indicating the reason for going to the library. The infinitive form "to borrow" correctly expresses this intention.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Had borrowed" is in the past perfect tense and does not fit the context of expressing an intended action.
Option B:
"To borrow" is correct as it indicates the purpose or intention behind going to the library.
Option C:
"Borrowing" is a gerund, which describes an ongoing action and does not fit here.
Option D:
"Borrowed" is in the simple past tense and refers to a completed action, which is not appropriate for expressing intention or purpose.
12.
Which verb is followed by an infinitive in the sentence:'Maddie and Lara want to win the game.'?
A) Hope.
B) Expect.
C) Wish.
D) Believe.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "want" in the sentence 'Maddie and Lara want to win the game.' is followed by an infinitive, which is "to win".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The verb "want" is followed by the infinitive "to win".
Option B:
Incorrect. The verb "expect" does not follow this sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. The verb "wish" typically follows a different structure, such as "I wish to go".
Option D:
Incorrect. The verb "believe" also follows a different infinitive structure in sentences like "I believe to be true".
13.
Mark the following statement as true or false The Infinitive has no tense category
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in English is a verb form that typically begins with "to" (e.g., to walk, to eat). It does not have tense categories like the present simple ("walk"), past simple ("walked"), or future simple ("will walk"). Instead, it can be used in various grammatical functions such as after certain verbs and prepositions. Therefore, the statement is true.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive does not have tense categories.
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive has no tense categories.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
14.
At last they decided ..... the apartment.
A) To rent.
B) Rented.
C) Renting.
D) Rents.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "To rent" is used after the verb "decided," which indicates a future action. In English, when deciding to do something in the future, we use the infinitive form of the verb without any additional words or forms.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form "To rent" after "decided."
Option B:
Incorrect. Past tense, does not fit the context of a future decision.
Option C:
Incorrect. Present participle, does not fit the context of a future decision.
Option D:
Incorrect. Third-person singular form, does not fit the context of a subject's decision.
15.
I am looking forward ..... you next week.
A) To seeing.
B) Seeing.
C) To see.
D) See.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to see" is used after "look forward to," which requires a gerund or an infinitive with "to." Therefore, "To seeing" (Option A) is correct because it uses the proper infinitive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form "to see" properly.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses a gerund, which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Missing the "to," making it an incomplete infinitive phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. Does not include "to" and is therefore incomplete.
16.
A:I want some string.B:What for?A: .....
A) To carry the cups.
B) To tie the parcel.
C) To clean the blackboard.
D) To open the door.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to tie" is used in option B, making it grammatically correct and fitting the context where a string might be needed to tie something, such as a parcel.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Infinitive not required.
Option B:
Correct use of infinitive "to tie".
Option C:
No infinitive needed here.
Option D:
Incorrect context for infinitive usage.
17.
Fill in the gaps:"The teacher will ..... make us ..... listen carefully."
A) -/ to.
B) To /-.
C) -/-.
D) To / to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) -/- because the infinitive form of "make" in this context does not require a preposition before it, and there's no need for another infinitive after "listen." The sentence should read: "The teacher will make us listen carefully."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Requires a preposition after the first infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adds an unnecessary preposition and infinitive.
Option C:
Correct. No additional words needed for proper grammar.
Option D:
Incorrect. Adds an unnecessary preposition and infinitive.
18.
His company guaranteed ..... the employees' families
A) To look after.
B) Looking after.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to look after" is used correctly in the sentence to indicate a purpose or intention. The company's guarantee implies an obligation or promise, which is best expressed with the infinitive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive "to look after," indicating a purpose or intention.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Looking after" is in gerund form, which does not fit grammatically here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Includes an unnecessary repetition and uses a gerund instead of the infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are correct.
19.
Every Wednesday, I go to the pool, I love .....
A) To swim.
B) Swimming.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to swim" is used in this context to indicate a general preference or habit, which fits well with the sentence structure "I love...". The phrase "Every Wednesday, I go to the pool" suggests a regular activity, and "I love swimming" correctly uses the infinitive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To swim" is not used in this context.
Option B:
Correct. "Swimming" is the correct infinitive form here.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option includes an incorrect answer and a redundant one ("to swim").
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in Option B.
20.
What is the function of the infinitive phrase in the following sentence?To discover the cause of the disease, the scientist worked tirelessly.
A) Noun-Object.
B) Noun-Subject.
C) Adverb.
D) Adjective.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "To discover the cause of the disease" functions as an adverb in this sentence, modifying the verb "worked." It indicates the purpose or reason for the scientist's actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun-Object - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase is not functioning as a noun object.
Option B:
Noun-Subject - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase is not the subject of the sentence.
Option C:
Adverb - Correct. The infinitive phrase serves to describe why or how the scientist worked, acting as an adverbial modifier.
Option D:
Adjective - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase is not describing a noun in this sentence.
21.
Let's carry on ..... this crime.
A) Investigating.
B) To investigate.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of a verb is typically used after certain verbs, such as "let's," to indicate purpose or intention. In this case, "to carry on" uses the infinitive form "to investigate." Therefore, Option A) Investigating is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form after "let's."
Option B:
Incorrect. Requires the infinitive form.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
22.
We wanted to fix the laptop, but we didn't succeed. (TRIED)
A) We tried fix the laptop, but we didn't succeed.
B) We wanted to tried to fix the laptop, but we didn't succeed.
C) We tried to fix the laptop, but we didn't succeed.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the infinitive form "to fix" after "tried," which is necessary to indicate purpose in this context. The sentence structure is grammatically accurate and conveys the intended meaning clearly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option is incorrect as it omits "to" before "fix," making the infinitive form incomplete.
Option B:
This option incorrectly uses "tried to fix" with an extra "tried," which is redundant and grammatically wrong.
Option C:
Correct use of infinitive "to fix."
Option D:
Not needed as Option C is correct.
23.
Antes de ..... nos tenemos que preparar
A) Irnos.
B) Irse.
C) No vamos.
D) Irte.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "ir" (to go) is used after certain prepositions and conjunctions to express purpose, intention, or necessity. In this case, "antes de" requires an infinitive following it. The correct infinitive form for "irse" (to go away) is "irnos," which means "to go away" in the reflexive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Antes de irnos" is the proper construction using the infinitive form of "irse."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Irse" alone does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option does not make sense in Spanish and does not use an infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Irte" is the imperative form, which is not appropriate here.
24.
Jane would rather ..... to California by plane.
A) Go.
B) To go.
C) Not to go.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to go" is required after "would rather." In this case, only "Go" (Option A) correctly uses the infinitive form without "to."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the correct infinitive form "go."
Option B:
Incorrect. Adds unnecessary "to."
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses a negative infinitive which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
25.
Tracey has suggested ..... up for a drink after work.
A) Meeting.
B) To meet.
C) Meet.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to meet" is used to suggest an action in the future, which fits well with the context of suggesting a meeting after work. The phrase "Tracey has suggested ... up for a drink after work" requires a verb form that functions as the object of the suggestion.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Meeting" is a noun and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
"To meet" is the correct infinitive form, fitting well as the object of the suggestion.
Option C:
"Meet" is the base form of the verb but lacks the necessary 'to' before it to function correctly in this context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "To meet" is a valid option.
26.
Leemos libros cristianos. (es interesante)
A) Es interesante leemos libros cristianos.
B) Es interesante leer libros cristianos.
C) Es interesante libros cristianos.
D) Leemos libros cristianos es interesante.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the infinitive form "leer" (to read) after "es interesante," which means "it is interesting." The infinitive form is necessary here to complete the sentence structure correctly in Spanish. Options A, C, and D either lack proper verb conjugation or structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect - Uses present tense "leemos" instead of infinitive "leer."
Option B:
Correct - Proper use of infinitive "leer."
Option C:
Incorrect - Missing verb and improper structure.
Option D:
Incorrect - Improper sentence structure, mixing present tense with infinitive.
27.
I would curl up in a corner of the cabin and read, hardly lifting my eyes except to eat.
A) AM of exception.
B) AM of comparison.
C) AM of purpose.
D) AM of result.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I would curl up in a corner of the cabin and read, hardly lifting my eyes except to eat." uses an infinitive phrase "to eat" as part of its structure. This infinitive phrase indicates that eating is an exception to the main action (reading). The infinitive "to eat" here serves to highlight what the subject does occasionally but not frequently during the reading activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitive "to eat" shows an exception to the primary action of reading.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no comparison being made in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. The infinitive does not indicate purpose here; it highlights an exception.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option suggests a result, which is not the case.
28.
Nosotros ..... en la biblioteca. (estudiar)
A) Estudian.
B) Estudio.
C) Estudias.
D) Estudiamos.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Estudiamos.
This option uses the first-person plural form of the infinitive "estudiar," which means "we study." The sentence structure indicates that multiple people are studying in the library, so "Estudiamos" (we study) fits perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. This option uses a third-person plural form, which does not match the subject "nosotros."
Option B:
Incorrect. This is a singular first-person form and thus inappropriate for multiple people.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is a singular second-person form, which is not suitable here.
Option D:
Correct. This option uses the correct first-person plural form to match "nosotros."
29.
Did you hear the child ..... out for his mum last night?
A) Cry.
B) To cry.
C) Cryung.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Did you hear the child cry out for his mum last night?" uses an infinitive phrase as a complement to the verb "hear." The infinitive form of the verb is "to cry," but in this structure, only the base form "cry" is used.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the base form of the infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adds unnecessary "To."
Option C:
Incorrect. Misses the verb and adds an incorrect suffix.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid.
30.
A:I want ..... B:What for?A:To sweep the floor.
A) A toothbrush.
B) A broom.
C) Some string.
D) A tray.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "To sweep the floor" indicates that a tool is needed for the action of sweeping. A broom (Option B) is commonly used for this purpose, making it the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
A toothbrush is not typically used for sweeping floors.
Option B:
Correct - a broom is appropriate for sweeping floors.
Option C:
Some string does not serve the purpose of sweeping a floor.
Option D:
A tray is not used for cleaning floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an infinitive in English grammar?
An infinitive in English grammar refers to the basic form of a verb, typically preceded by "to," such as "to walk" or "to talk." It functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb and can be used in various grammatical constructions.
Can infinitives be used to express purpose?
Yes, infinitives can be used to express purpose. For example, "I went to the store to buy milk." Here, "to buy" is an infinitive phrase that indicates the purpose of going to the store.
How do infinitives differ from finite verbs?
Infinitives are not conjugated and remain in their base form, while finite verbs change according to tense, subject, and other grammatical factors. For example, "to walk" is an infinitive, whereas "walks," "walked," or "walking" are finite verb forms.
Are there any exceptions to using infinitives in English?
Yes, certain constructions and phrases may require the use of infinitive verbs as complements or adverbs. For example, "It is important to be punctual" uses an infinitive phrase as a complement.
How do infinitives function in Spanish?
In Spanish, infinitives are used similarly to English, often preceded by "to" (en español, "para"). They can serve as complements, adverbs, or purpose clauses. For example, "Quiero para estudiar en la biblioteca," where "para estudiar" is an infinitive phrase indicating the purpose.