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Infinitive Phrases – Quiz 1
Infinitive Phrases Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and analyze infinitive phrases in their various functions within sentences, including as direct objects, adjectives, adverbs, nouns, predicate nominatives, subject complements, subjects, and expressions of purpose. It also tests understanding of infinitives used after certain verbs and their role in sentence structure.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Jobweb.com is a website for people who want ..... a new job.
A) Finding.
B) To find.
C) Find.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B "To find" is correct because it properly uses the infinitive form of the verb "find." In English, when a verb is used as an infinitive (after certain words like want, need, etc.), it should be in its base form without 'to' before it. However, here "want" requires "to" to introduce the infinitive phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Finding" is a gerund and not an infinitive.
Option B:
Correct as it uses "To find," which introduces the infinitive form of the verb.
Option C:
Incorrect as "Find" alone does not introduce the infinitive phrase correctly in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
2.
Identify the function of the infinitive in the following sentence:Often, the best strategy is to forgive.
A) Subject.
B) Predicate nominative.
C) Direct object.
D) Adjective.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "to forgive" in the sentence functions as a predicate nominative, which renames or describes the subject "the best strategy." It specifies what the best strategy is often.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Infinitives can sometimes function as subjects, but not in this case.
Option B:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to forgive" renames or describes the subject "the best strategy."
Option C:
Infinitives are rarely direct objects in such constructions.
Option D:
While adjectives modify nouns, this infinitive is not describing a noun but renaming the subject.
3.
What is the function of the infinitive phrase in the sentence: "I plan to start a new hobby this month" ?
A) Direct Object.
B) Subject.
C) Adjective.
D) Predicate Nominative.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "to start a new hobby" in the sentence functions as a direct object because it receives the action of the main verb "plan." Direct objects answer the question "what" after the verbs that take them, such as plan, buy, give, etc.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to start a new hobby" acts as the direct object of the verb "plan."
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase is not the subject of the sentence; the subject is "I."
Option C:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase does not modify a noun or pronoun as an adjective would.
Option D:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase is not the predicate nominative, which typically renames the subject of the sentence.
4.
To have a big dream requires the same effort as having a small dream.
A) Subject.
B) Object.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "To have a big dream requires the same effort as having a small dream" is functioning as the subject of the sentence. It introduces the main idea being discussed, which is about the effort required for dreams regardless of their size.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "To have a big dream requires the same effort" acts as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does not use an object to introduce the main idea.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option is correct in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect, making this choice invalid.
5.
Identify the function of the infinitive in the following sentence:The option to choose is the one that causes the least trouble
A) Adjective.
B) Subject.
C) Adverb.
D) Predicate nominative.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "to choose" functions as an adjective in this sentence, modifying the noun "option." It describes which option is being referred to by specifying a characteristic of it: that it is the one to choose.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to choose" functions as an adjective, describing the nature of the option.
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive does not function as a subject here.
Option C:
Incorrect. The infinitive is not used adverbially in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is no predicate nominative involved in the structure of this sentence.
6.
The bus delivered the children safely to their homes.
A) Prepositional phrase.
B) Infinitive.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "to their homes" is a prepositional phrase, not an infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase begins with the word "to" followed by a verb (e.g., to walk, to talk). In this sentence, "to their homes" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying "delivered".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase "to their homes" is indeed a prepositional phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. An infinitive would start with "to" followed by a verb, which is not the case here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The phrase is correctly identified as a prepositional phrase.
7.
Find the infinitive:To quit, I clicked the X in the corner.
A) Quit I.
B) To quit.
C) Clicked the X.
D) I clicked.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in the sentence is "To quit." An infinitive phrase typically begins with "to" followed by a verb, and it functions as an adjective, adverb, or noun. In this case, "To quit" acts as an adverb modifying the action of clicking.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It does not represent the infinitive phrase in the sentence.
Option B:
Correct. This is the infinitive phrase "To quit," which modifies the verb "clicked."
Option C:
Incorrect. This is a simple past tense verb and does not contain an infinitive form.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is the base form of the verb used as a finite verb, not an infinitive phrase.
8.
Example of an infinitive phrase functioning as an adverb:
A) 'He studies hard to pass the exam.'.
B) 'He wants to learn how to cook.'.
C) 'They decided to leave early.'.
D) 'She loves to dance every evening.'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "to pass the exam" in option A functions as an adverb, modifying the verb "studies." It indicates the purpose of his hard studying.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to pass the exam" modifies "studies," indicating its purpose.
Option B:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase "to learn how to cook" is a direct object of "wants."
Option C:
Correct but not as clear an example. "To leave early" modifies "decided," indicating the action's timing.
Option D:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase "to dance every evening" is a direct object of "loves."
9.
I need someone help me ..... these bags to the car.
A) Carry.
B) To carry.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "carry" functions as an infinitive phrase, which can serve as a direct object in the sentence. The infinitive form of the verb without 'to' (e.g., carry) can be used to describe what needs to be done with the bags.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Carry" functions as an infinitive phrase serving as a direct object.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To carry" is not needed here; it would be redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are correct, so this option does not apply.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is indeed the correct answer.
10.
In the sentence "She hopes to travel the world, " what is the function of the infinitive?
A) Adverb.
B) Adjective.
C) Direct object.
D) Subject complement.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to travel" in the sentence "She hopes to travel the world" functions as a direct object because it receives the action of the main verb "hopes." Direct objects answer the question "what" after a linking or action verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adverb - Incorrect. Infinitives can function as adverbs, but not in this sentence.
Option B:
Adjective - Incorrect. Infinitives are not typically used as adjectives in this context.
Option C:
Direct object - Correct. "To travel the world" is receiving the action of "hopes."
Option D:
Subject complement - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase does not complete the subject, so it cannot be a subject complement.
11.
What is the infinitive in this sentence: "The professor asked us to carefully read the assignment."
A) Read.
B) To read.
C) Asked.
D) Carefully.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in the sentence "The professor asked us to carefully read the assignment" is
To read.
This is because an infinitive phrase begins with the word "to" followed by a verb, and here it functions as the direct object of the verb "asked."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Read. Incorrect; this is just the base form of the verb without "to."
Option B:
To read. Correct; it's the infinitive phrase acting as a direct object.
Option C:
Asked. Incorrect; this is the past tense of the verb and does not represent an infinitive.
Option D:
Carefully. Incorrect; this is an adverb modifying the verb "read."
12.
Identify the infinitive phrase in the sentence.
A) To wait.
B) For me.
C) I asked.
D) To wait for me.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase in the sentence is "To wait for me." An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive (to + base form of a verb) and any modifiers, complements, or objects that accompany it. In this case, "To wait" is the infinitive, and "for me" modifies it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It only contains an infinitive without its modifier.
Option B:
Incorrect. It does not contain a verb form.
Option C:
Incorrect. It is a finite clause, not an infinitive phrase.
Option D:
Correct. It includes the full infinitive phrase "To wait for me."
13.
Which infinitive best fills in the blank in the following sentence?Emile read the article ..... information about Korea.
A) To start.
B) To decide.
C) To find.
D) To make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "to find" is the most appropriate choice because it logically connects Emile's action of reading the article with his intention to obtain information about Korea. The sentence implies that Emile read the article in order to discover or locate information, making "to find" the best fit.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To start" suggests initiating an action but does not clearly link reading with obtaining specific information.
Option B:
"To decide" implies a choice or judgment, which is not the primary purpose of reading in this context.
Option C:
"To find" indicates seeking and discovering information, aligning well with the sentence's meaning.
Option D:
"To make" suggests creating something, which does not fit the context of reading for information.
14.
Identify the phrase:The horse trotting up to the fence hopes that you have an apple or carrot.
A) Gerund phrase.
B) Participial phrase.
C) Infinitive phrase.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "trotting up to the fence" is a participial phrase because it begins with the present participle "trotting" and modifies the noun "horse." It describes the action of the horse without being a complete clause or infinitive.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerund phrases are formed with gerunds (verbs in -ing form used as nouns), which is not the case here.
Option B:
Correct. The phrase "trotting up to the fence" functions as a participial phrase modifying "horse."
Option C:
Infinitive phrases begin with "to" followed by a verb, which is not present here.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options correctly identifies the phrase type.
15.
Read the sentence and select the best infinitive to complete it:The coach encouraged the players ..... harder.
A) Trained.
B) Training.
C) To train.
D) Trains.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "to train" is the correct choice to complete the sentence because it functions as an adverbial in this context, indicating the manner in which the players should act. The verb "encouraged" requires a bare infinitive (infinitive without 'to') after it when followed by another verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Trained - Past tense form; does not fit grammatically here.
Option B:
Training - Gerund form; does not fit grammatically here as it would imply ongoing action rather than a suggestion or encouragement.
Option C:
To train - Correct infinitive form, fitting the sentence structure and meaning.
Option D:
Trains - Third person singular present tense; does not fit grammatically here as it would imply an action that is habitual rather than a suggestion or encouragement.
16.
Identify the infinitive phrase. If there is no infinitive, choose none.She heard her father talking to her mother on the phone.
A) Heard her father.
B) Talking.
C) To her mother.
D) None.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase consists of the base form of a verb preceded by "to." In the given sentence, there is no such structure present. Therefore, the correct answer is D) None.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Heard her father is a past participle phrase acting as an adjective.
Option B:
Talking is a gerund functioning as a noun.
Option C:
To her mother does not form a complete infinitive phrase since it lacks the base verb form.
Option D:
None is correct because no infinitive phrase exists in the sentence.
17.
Identify the function of the infinitive phrase in the following sentence: "To win the championship was his ultimate goal."
A) Adjective.
B) Noun.
C) Adverb.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "To win the championship" functions as a noun in this sentence, serving as the subject complement that renames the subject "his ultimate goal."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adjective - Incorrect. An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun.
Option B:
Noun - Correct. The infinitive phrase acts as a noun in this sentence, renaming the subject "his ultimate goal."
Option C:
Adverb - Incorrect. An adverb modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
18.
Identify the infinitive in the following sentence:She likes to read before bed.
A) To read.
B) Bed.
C) Before.
D) Likes.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in the sentence "She likes to read before bed" is
To read.
An infinitive is a verb form that begins with "to" and is followed by the base form of the verb. In this case, "To read" functions as an infinitive phrase modifying the main verb "likes."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive in the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Bed" is a noun and not part of the infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Before" is a preposition, not an infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Likes" is the main verb, not the infinitive.
19.
Which of the following sentences contain infinitive phrase that functions as an adverb?
A) The man needs to challenge his opponents.
B) The man to challenge his opponents was an American.
C) The man struggles vehemently to challenge his opponents.
D) All of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C contains an infinitive phrase "to challenge his opponents" that functions as an adverb, modifying the verb "struggles" by indicating the manner in which the man struggles.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The infinitive "to challenge" is part of a main clause and does not function as an adverb here.
Option B:
This sentence uses "to challenge his opponents" as a participial phrase modifying "The man," not functioning as an adverb.
Option C:
Correct. The infinitive phrase modifies the verb "struggles" by describing how he struggles.
Option D:
Not all options are correct; only Option C is accurate.
20.
.... the periodic test requires reviewing your previous lessons thoroughly.
A) A. To examine.
B) B. To submit.
C) C. To pass.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The periodic test requires reviewing your previous lessons thoroughly to pass the exam. This means that by going over past material, you are better prepared for the test and more likely to achieve a passing grade.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To examine - Incorrect. While examination is part of testing, it does not directly relate to the purpose of reviewing lessons.
Option B:
To submit - Incorrect. Submitting work is a part of the process but not the primary goal of thorough review.
Option C:
To pass - Correct. Reviewing lessons thoroughly helps in understanding and retaining information, which ultimately aids in passing the test.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option C is correct.
21.
Find the infinitive phrase:The other mother lied to keep Coraline from leaving.
A) To keep Coraline.
B) The other mother.
C) Lied to keep.
D) To keep Coraline from leaving.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase in the sentence is "To keep Coraline from leaving." An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive (the base form of a verb preceded by "to") and any modifiers, complements, or objects. In this case, "To keep" is the infinitive, followed by the prepositional phrase "Coraline from leaving," which functions as its object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It lacks the infinitive "to."
Option B:
Incorrect. It refers to a noun, not an infinitive phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. It only includes part of the infinitive phrase.
Option D:
Correct. It fully represents the infinitive phrase in the sentence.
22.
Determine the function of the infinitive phrase in the sentence: "To travel the world is her dream."
A) Adjective.
B) Noun.
C) Adverb.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "To travel the world" functions as the subject complement in this sentence, describing what her dream is. In English grammar, an infinitive phrase can act as a noun when it serves to rename or describe the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adjective - Incorrect. An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun.
Option B:
Noun - Correct. The infinitive phrase renames the subject "her dream."
Option C:
Adverb - Incorrect. An adverb modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
23.
Read the sentence and choose the best infinitive phrase to complete it:Maria saved her money ..... a new bicycle.
A) Buys.
B) To buy.
C) Bought.
D) Buying.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive phrase "To buy" is the correct choice to complete the sentence because it functions as an infinitival purpose clause, indicating Maria's intention behind saving her money. This structure is commonly used to express a goal or reason for an action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Buys - This is a verb form and does not fit grammatically in this context as it lacks the infinitive "to" required for purpose clauses.
Option B:
To buy - Correct. It indicates Maria's intention to purchase a new bicycle after saving her money.
Option C:
Bought - This is the past tense of buy and does not fit grammatically in this context as it lacks the infinitive "to" required for purpose clauses.
Option D:
Buying - This is a gerund form and does not fit grammatically in this context as it cannot directly express Maria's intention or goal.
24.
Which sentence correctly uses an infinitive phrase as a noun complement?
A) She loves to read in the evenings.
B) He is eager to start the new project.
C) The goal is to finish by Friday.
D) Her plan to leave early was canceled.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) The goal is to finish by Friday. This sentence uses an infinitive phrase "to finish by Friday" as a noun complement, which functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"She loves to read in the evenings." - The infinitive "to read" is used as an adjective modifying "love," not as a noun complement.
Option B:
"He is eager to start the new project." - "To start" functions as an adverb, modifying "eager," rather than serving as a noun complement.
Option C:
"The goal is to finish by Friday." - Correct use of an infinitive phrase "to finish by Friday" as a noun complement.
Option D:
"Her plan to leave early was canceled." - "To leave" functions as part of the gerund phrase "to leave early," not as a noun complement.
25.
Which of the following is an infinitive phrase? A) to swim in the pool B) after the rain C) under the tableD) running in the park
A) Under the table.
B) After the rain.
C) Running in the park.
D) To swim in the pool.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An infinitive phrase is a verb form beginning with "to" followed by the base form of the verb, often used as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. In this case,
Option D) To swim in the pool
correctly identifies an infinitive phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Under the table" is a prepositional phrase.
Option B:
"After the rain" is also a prepositional phrase.
Option C:
"Running in the park" contains a gerund (running) but does not start with "to," so it's not an infinitive phrase.
Option D:
"To swim in the pool" starts with "to" and follows with the base form of the verb, making it an infinitive phrase.
26.
Use an infinitive phrase in a sentence.
A) To eat healthy is important for overall well-being.
B) Eats healthy is important for overall well-being.
C) Eating healthy is important for overall well-being.
D) Ate healthy is important for overall well-being.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An infinitive phrase begins with "to" followed by a verb and can function as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. In this case, "To eat healthy is important for overall well-being" correctly uses an infinitive phrase as the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "to eat healthy" as an infinitive phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. Lacks "to" before "eat."
Option C:
Correct grammatically, but not using an infinitive phrase (uses present participle instead).
Option D:
Incorrect. Past tense verb form does not indicate an infinitive.
27.
Identify the infinitive in the sentence:'She loves to dance in the rain.'
A) To dance.
B) In the rain.
C) Loves.
D) Dance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in the sentence "She loves to dance in the rain" is
To dance.
An infinitive is a verb form that begins with "to" and is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In this case, "To dance" functions as an object complement of the linking verb "loves."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase in the sentence is "to dance."
Option B:
Incorrect. This prepositional phrase does not function as an infinitive.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the main verb of the sentence, not an infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Dance" alone without "to" is not an infinitive but a base form of the verb.
28.
Maybe they are watching a video.They might ..... a video.
A) To be watching.
B) Been watching.
C) Be watching.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Be watching.
This option uses the present continuous tense, which is appropriate for describing an action that is happening now or at some time in the near future. The phrase "Maybe they are watching a video" already indicates this ongoing action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To be watching" is not grammatically correct and does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option B:
"Been watching" implies a completed or ongoing past action, which doesn't match the present tense implied by "Maybe they are watching."
Option C:
"Be watching" is correct as it matches the present continuous tense used in the context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since option C is valid.
29.
Identify the phrase:The book on the bathroom floor is swollen from shower steam.
A) Noun phrase.
B) Prepositional phrase.
C) Gerund phrase.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "on the bathroom floor" is a prepositional phrase because it begins with the preposition "on" and includes the article "the" followed by the noun "bathroom floor." This phrase functions as an adjective, describing where the book is located.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun phrase - Incorrect. It does not contain a main verb or a subject.
Option B:
Prepositional phrase - Correct. It starts with "on" and includes the prepositional complement "the bathroom floor."
Option C:
Gerund phrase - Incorrect. A gerund phrase contains a present participle (verb + ing) acting as a noun, which is not present here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. "On the bathroom floor" fits the definition of a prepositional phrase.
30.
She promised she would be waiting at the arrivals hall.She promised ..... at the arrivals hall.
A) To be waiting.
B) Be waiting.
C) Been waiting.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) To be waiting.
In this sentence, "to be waiting" functions as an infinitive phrase that serves as the promised action. The use of "to be" indicates a continuous or ongoing state, which fits well with the context of someone promising to wait at the arrivals hall.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive phrase "to be waiting," indicating a continuous action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Simply "Be waiting" lacks the infinitive marker "to."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Been waiting" is in the present perfect tense, which does not fit the context of a promise for future actions.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct option among the choices provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are infinitive phrases?
Infinitive phrases consist of an infinitive verb (usually beginning with "to" + base form of the verb) and any modifiers or complements that accompany it. They can function as adjectives, adverbs, direct objects, nouns, predicate nominatives, subject complements, subjects, or express purpose in a sentence.
How do infinitive phrases differ from participial and prepositional phrases?
Infinitive phrases always start with "to" followed by the base form of a verb, while participial phrases begin with present or past participles (e.g., running, having run) and prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun. Infinitives often express purpose or intention, whereas participials describe actions related to other words in the sentence.
Can infinitive phrases be used as adverbs?
Yes, infinitive phrases can function as adverbs by modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They often indicate manner, time, or reason for an action in the sentence.
How do infinitive phrases relate to present continuous tense?
Infinitive phrases can contrast with present continuous tense, which describes ongoing actions. For example, "I am going" uses the present continuous, while "to go" in an infinitive phrase might describe a future or general intention that is not necessarily ongoing.
What are some common mistakes when using infinitive phrases?
Common errors include incorrectly placing the "to" before the verb, misusing infinitives as adverbs instead of other parts of speech, and confusing infinitive phrases with participial or prepositional phrases. Proper placement and function are crucial for correct usage.