This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Verbs
>
Verb Forms
>
Split Infinitives – Quiz 1
Split Infinitives Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of split infinitives and hidden infinitives in sentences, including their identification and correction. It also assesses the ability to apply grammatical rules related to verb forms, modifier placement, and sentence structure.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
A split infinitive is a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the verb it modifies, such as in "to boldly go." The statement given describes a different grammatical structure—coordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns. Therefore, the claim is false.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The description does not match split infinitives.
Option B:
Correct. The statement describes a different grammatical structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. All the above is not correct as only one option fits.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the options accurately describe split infinitives.
2.
What error is present in the sentence:The police officer handed the dog, panting and hungry on the curb, to its new owner.
A) No error.
B) Dangling modifier.
C) Misplaced modifier.
D) Split infinitive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence does not contain a split infinitive, which involves separating the "to" and the main verb in an infinitive phrase (e.g., to quickly run). The sentence correctly uses "to panting and hungry," where "to" is followed directly by the participial phrases without any intervening words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence does not have a split infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no split infinitive in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Misplaced modifiers are not present; "panting and hungry" correctly modify "the dog."
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does not involve any infinitives, let alone splitting them.
3.
Identify how the infinitive is being used in the sentence:Together let's work to finish our project before the due date.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to finish" in the sentence is used as an adverb, modifying the verb phrase "work to finish." It indicates the purpose or manner of working together.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The infinitive is not functioning as an adjective.
Option B:
Correct. The infinitive "to finish" modifies how and why they are working, making it an adverb.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option B is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option B is the correct answer.
4.
Which one is an infinitive?
A) To practice.
B) The fast runner.
C) Traveling home.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An infinitive is a verb form that begins with "to" and is followed by the base form of the verb, such as "to practice." In this case,
To practice.
(Option A) fits this definition perfectly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It starts with "to" and follows it with the base form of the verb "practice."
Option B:
Incorrect. This is a noun phrase, not an infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
5.
What error is present in the sentence:It took all she had not to loudly scream at her mother.
A) Dangling Modifier.
B) Misplaced Modifier.
C) No error.
D) Split Infinitive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It took all she had not to loudly scream at her mother" does not contain a split infinitive. A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between the word "to" and the main verb in an infinitive phrase, as in "to quickly run." In this sentence, there is no such placement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have a dangling modifier.
Option B:
Incorrect. The modifier "not to loudly scream" is correctly placed before the verb phrase it modifies.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no error in this sentence regarding split infinitives or any other grammatical issue mentioned.
Option D:
Correct. The sentence does not contain a split infinitive, making this the correct answer.
6.
What is the hidden infinitive?We dared not damage it.
A) Damage.
B) Dared.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive in the sentence "We dared not damage it" is "to damage." Although "damage" appears to be the infinitive, it is preceded by the modal verb "dare," which requires the base form of the verb. Therefore, the full infinitive phrase is "to damage."
Option A) Damage is correct because "damage" in this context is part of a hidden infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Damage" is part of the hidden infinitive "to damage."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Dared" is not the hidden infinitive; it's a modal verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only "damage" (part of the infinitive) is correct, not all options.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the given options.
7.
Identify how the infinitive is being used in the sentence:We all made an effort to be kinder to each other.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to be" in the sentence functions as an adjective, modifying the noun phrase "an effort." It describes the nature of the effort made by the subjects (we all).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive "to be" modifies "effort," functioning as an adjective.
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive is not used adverbially in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is valid.
8.
Identify the hidden infinitive in the sentence:The boy watched the toy boat sink slowly into the lake.
A) Lake.
B) Slowly.
C) Watched.
D) Sink.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive in the sentence is "to sink." The phrase "to sink" functions as an adverbial, modifying the verb "sink," and it is not directly attached to the main verb "watched," which makes it a split infinitive. However, since the question asks for the infinitive itself, "sink" is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Lake - Not an infinitive.
Option B:
Slowly - An adverb modifying the verb "watched," not an infinitive.
Option C:
Watched - The main verb of the sentence, not an infinitive.
Option D:
Sink - The hidden infinitive in the sentence.
9.
Identify how the infinitive is being used in the sentence:Grandma had arrived to babysit for the night.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to babysit" in the sentence is used as an adverb, modifying the verb "arrived." It indicates the purpose of Grandma's arrival for the night.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase does not function as an adjective here.
Option B:
Correct. The infinitive "to babysit" functions as an adverb, explaining why Grandma arrived.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
10.
What error is present:Is it possible for you and your friend to quietly sit together during the assembly?
A) Split infinitive.
B) Misplaced modifier.
C) Dangling modifier.
D) No error.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "What error is present:Is it possible for you and your friend to quietly sit together during the assembly?" contains a split infinitive, which occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the main verb in an infinitive phrase. In this case, "quietly" separates "to" and "sit."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence has a split infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no misplaced modifier in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no dangling modifier in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does contain an error, specifically a split infinitive.
11.
What error is present in the sentence:Mrs. Turner donated a book to the library that she no longer wanted.
A) Split infinitive.
B) Misplaced modifier.
C) Dangling Modifier.
D) No error.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Mrs. Turner donated a book to the library that she no longer wanted" does not contain a split infinitive, so option A is incorrect. The modifier "that she no longer wanted" correctly modifies "a book," indicating it is misplaced rather than dangling. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Misplaced modifier.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Split infinitives involve separating "to" and a verb; this sentence does not have any infinitive phrases.
Option B:
Correct as the modifier "that she no longer wanted" is misplaced, modifying "a book" rather than "donated."
Option C:
Dangling modifiers would imply the subject of the sentence does not perform the action described by the verb; this is not the case.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a clear error in the sentence structure.
12.
Which is a split infinitive?
A) Anthony has to quickly run to class.
B) Anthony has to get to class quickly.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the main verb it modifies, splitting the infinitive form of the verb. In option A, "quickly" splits "to run," making it a split infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The adverb "quickly" is placed between "to" and "run."
Option B:
Incorrect. No adverb splits the infinitive "get to."
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is a split infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is a split infinitive.
13.
Which of the following phrases is an example of a split infinitive?
A) To answer quickly.
B) To quickly answer.
C) Quickly answer.
D) Answer quickly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the main verb in the infinitive form of a verb. In option A) To answer quickly, the adverb 'quickly' is placed between 'to' and 'answer', thus it is an example of a split infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Adverb 'quickly' splits 'to' and 'answer'.
Option B:
Incorrect. The adverb follows the infinitive verb form, not splitting it.
Option C:
Incorrect. No 'to' before the verb, so no split infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. Adverb precedes the infinitive verb form, not splitting it.
14.
Revise the following sentence:They bought a kitten for my brother they call shadow.
A) They bought a kitten they call shadow for my brother.
B) They bought a kitten for my brother.
C) The sentence is correct.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claimed correct answer, Option A, is correct because it properly places the split infinitive "they call" between "kitten" and "for my brother." In English grammar, a split infinitive occurs when an adverb or adverbial phrase is placed between "to" and the main verb. While some style guides recommend avoiding split infinitives for clarity, this rule is not universally applied.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly splits the infinitive "they call" to maintain grammatical structure.
Option B:
Incorrect as it omits the phrase "they call shadow," which is necessary for clarity.
Option C:
Incorrect because the original sentence, despite being awkward, does not violate any grammar rules.
Option D:
Incorrect since Option A is correct.
15.
What is the hidden infinitive?Will you let me hold the baby?
A) Let.
B) Hold.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In the sentence "Will you let me hold the baby?", the infinitive "to hold" is split by the adverb "me". This is an example of a split infinitive, which occurs when any word or phrase is placed between "to" and the base form of the verb. The correct answer is
B) Hold
because it identifies the hidden infinitive (the base form of the verb after "to").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Let - This is not the hidden infinitive.
Option B:
Hold - Correct, this is the hidden infinitive.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, as "let" and "hold" are distinct parts of the sentence structure.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, since "Hold" is correct.
16.
Identify the hidden infinitive in the sentence:We watched the fireworks explode into the night sky.
A) Explode.
B) Night.
C) Fireworks.
D) Watched.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive in the sentence "We watched the fireworks explode into the night sky" is
explode
. An infinitive is a verb form that begins with "to," but sometimes it can be hidden within another word. In this case, "explode" functions as an infinitive by describing what the fireworks do.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Explode" is the hidden infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Night" is a noun, not part of an infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Fireworks" is a noun, not part of an infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Watched" is the main verb of the sentence, not an infinitive.
17.
Identify how the infinitive is being used in the sentence:Jada had an idea to sell her creations.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to sell" in the sentence functions as an adjective, modifying the noun "idea." It describes the nature of Jada's idea.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to sell her creations" acts as an adjective, describing what Jada's idea is about.
Option B:
Incorrect. An infinitive cannot function as an adverb in this context; it does not modify a verb or an adverb.
Option C:
Incorrect. The infinitive is not functioning as both an adjective and an adverb simultaneously.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
18.
What is the hidden infinitive?We knew that we would see the comet shine more clearly with a telescope.
A) Shine.
B) Would.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive is a form of split infinitive, where an adverb is placed between "to" and the base form of the verb in an infinitive phrase. In this sentence, "more clearly" (an adverb) separates "to" from "shine," creating a split infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Shine" is the hidden infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Would" is not part of an infinitive phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only "shine" fits as the correct answer.
Option D:
Incorrect. The hidden infinitive is present in the sentence.
19.
What is the hidden infinitive?Watching the comet streak across the sky made us feel small.
A) Feel.
B) Watching.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive is "to feel" in the sentence, which precedes the main verb "made." In English grammar, a split infinitive occurs when an adverb separates the "to" and the base form of the verb. However, this sentence does not contain a split infinitive; it contains a hidden infinitive where "feel" is implied but not directly stated.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The hidden infinitive "to feel" is present in the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Watching" is a gerund, not part of an infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does contain a hidden infinitive.
20.
Which of the following is a SPLIT INFINITIVE
A) Singing beautifully.
B) To beautifully sing.
C) Beautiful singer.
D) To sing beautifully.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the main verb in an infinitive phrase, such as "to beautifully sing." This is why option B) To beautifully sing is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Singing beautifully does not split the infinitive; it modifies the verb directly.
Option B:
Correct, as "beautifully" splits the infinitive "to sing."
Option C:
This is a noun phrase and does not involve an infinitive at all.
Option D:
While this is grammatically correct, it does not split the infinitive; "beautifully" comes after "sing."
21.
Identify the hidden infinitive in the sentence:Carl made me write thank-you notes to all my relatives.
A) Made.
B) Relatives.
C) Write.
D) Notes.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive in the sentence is "write." In English grammar, a split infinitive occurs when an adverb separates the verb "to" and its main form (the base form of the verb). Here, "to write" is split by the adverb "me."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Made - This is the main verb in the sentence but not an infinitive.
Option B:
Relatives - This noun phrase does not contain an infinitive.
Option C:
Write - Correct. "To write" is a hidden infinitive split by the adverb "me."
Option D:
Notes - This noun phrase does not contain an infinitive.
22.
Which error is present in the sentence:I can only take fifteen students on the field trip.
A) Misplaced modifier.
B) No error.
C) Dangling modifier.
D) Split infinitive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I can only take fifteen students on the field trip" does not contain a split infinitive, which is an instruction to place any adverb between the word "to" and the verb it modifies (e.g., "to quickly run"). The given sentence has no such construction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. There are no adverbs placed between "take" and "fifteen," so this is not a split infinitive.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence is grammatically correct with proper placement of modifiers.
Option C:
Incorrect. This error type does not apply to the given sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are no adverbs splitting "to" and a verb, so this option is incorrect.
23.
What is the hidden infinitive?When will people watch the comet blaze across the sky again?
A) Sky.
B) Blaze.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive refers to the situation where an adverb is placed between "to" and the base form of a verb, creating what appears to be two separate infinitives. In this case, "blaze" is part of the hidden infinitive phrase "to blaze," which functions as the direct object of the verb "watch." The correct answer is
B) Blaze
because it identifies the key component of the hidden infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sky - Incorrect. Not related to the hidden infinitive.
Option B:
Blaze - Correct. Identifies the base form part of the hidden infinitive "to blaze."
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. Only one option is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
24.
Identify how the infinitive is being used in the sentence:We struggled to complete the project on time.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to complete" in the sentence functions as an adverb, modifying the verb "struggled." It indicates the purpose or manner of struggling—specifically, to achieve a certain goal (completing the project on time).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The infinitive is not functioning as an adjective.
Option B:
Correct. The infinitive "to complete" modifies the verb "struggled," acting as an adverb.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option B is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
25.
Which one is a split infinitive?
A) To sleep soundly.
B) To run quickly.
C) To patiently wait.
D) To lock the door.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and the verb it modifies, as in
To quickly run
. In option C) To patiently wait, the adverb
patiently
splits the infinitive
to wait
.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No split infinitive; "To sleep" is a complete infinitive phrase.
Option B:
No split infinitive; "To run quickly" has the adverb after the verb, not between "to" and the verb.
Option C:
Split infinitive; "To patiently wait" has an adverb splitting the infinitive.
Option D:
No split infinitive; "To lock the door" is a complete infinitive phrase without any interruption.
26.
What error is present in the sentence:While standing in line, lightning could be seen.
A) Dangling Modifier.
B) Split Infinitive.
C) No errors.
D) Misplaced Modifier.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "While standing in line, lightning could be seen" contains a
dangling modifier
. The phrase "While standing in line" is intended to modify the subject performing the action of seeing the lightning, but it does not clearly do so. It appears that the subject who was standing in line is not explicitly mentioned and thus the sentence is unclear about who saw the lightning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase "While standing in line" is a dangling modifier because it does not clearly indicate whose action of seeing the lightning it modifies.
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no split infinitive in this sentence; an infinitive would be formed with 'to' and a verb, e.g., "to see."
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence does contain an error.
Option D:
Incorrect. The modifier is not misplaced but rather dangling because it lacks a clear subject to modify.
27.
What was the previous sentence an example of? They bought a kitten for my brother they call shadow.
A) A split infinitive.
B) A misplaced modifier.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They bought a kitten for my brother they call shadow." is an example of a misplaced modifier (Option B). The phrase "they call shadow" modifies "brother," but it should modify "kitten" to clarify that the kitten is named Shadow.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Split infinitives involve placing an adverb between "to" and a verb, which does not apply here.
Option B:
Correct. The modifier "they call shadow" is misplaced, altering the intended meaning of the sentence.
Option C:
Not applicable as only one option (B) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect because the sentence does have a grammatical issue that fits Option B.
28.
Identify how the infinitive is being used in the sentence:The students will make a pledge to end bullying.
A) Adjective.
B) Adverb.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to end" in the sentence functions as an adjective, modifying the noun "pledge." It describes what kind of pledge the students will make.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive "to end" modifies "pledge," acting as an adjective.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs; they do not describe nouns directly in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. The infinitive is not used as a verb here but as an adjective describing "pledge."
Option D:
Incorrect. One of the options (A) is correct, so this option is incorrect.
29.
What is the hidden infinitive?He need not worry about us-we are always careful with things we borrow.
A) Need.
B) Worry.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive in the sentence is "to worry," which is implied by the verb "worry" without a direct object. The phrase "He need not worry about us" can be rewritten as "He need not to worry about us," making it clear that "to worry" is an infinitive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as the hidden infinitive is not "Need."
Option B:
Correct, as "worry" functions as a hidden infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect, as only "worry" is the correct answer.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is a correct answer.
30.
What is the hidden infinitive?Many people saw the comet appear in the sky.
A) Saw.
B) Appear.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The hidden infinitive is a form of the infinitive verb that appears after an adverb and before the main verb in a sentence. In "Many people saw the comet appear in the sky," the word "appear" functions as a hidden infinitive, modifying "the comet." It indicates what action the comet performed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Saw" is the main verb.
Option B:
Correct. "Appear" functions as a hidden infinitive here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one correct answer.
Option D:
Incorrect. The claimed correct answer is valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a split infinitive?
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is placed between the word "to" and the main verb, such as in "to boldly go." This can sometimes make sentences clearer but may also be considered stylistically awkward by some grammarians.
Can split infinitives always be avoided?
Not necessarily. While some writers prefer to avoid split infinitives for clarity, others believe that placing modifiers between "to" and the verb can make sentences more natural and easier to read, depending on the context.
What is a hidden infinitive?What is a hidden infinitive?
A hidden infinitive, also known as a split infinitive, happens when an adverb or other word separates "to" from the main verb. For example, in "She decided to quickly leave," "quickly" is a hidden infinitive that splits the infinitive "to leave."
Why are split infinitives sometimes considered incorrect?
Traditionally, some grammarians have advised against splitting infinitives to maintain a clear and direct structure. However, modern usage often allows for flexibility in placement of modifiers to improve readability and natural flow.
How can I practice using split infinitives correctly?
Practice by reading a variety of texts, paying attention to how authors use split infinitives. You can also try rewriting sentences that contain split infinitives to see if the meaning and clarity are maintained or improved.