I cook to save money.

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Infinitive as Adverbs

Intermediate

With infinitive adverbs, you will be able to explain why you do things and why you feel or think a certain way.

Exercise 1

Sentence Practice

	Zach Why do you cook?
	Hannah I cook to save money.

	Zach Why did you feel glad?
	Hannah I was glad to hear your voice.

Grammar Focus

'To Infinitives'

The infinitive is the basic form of verbs. There are two types: 1. bare infinitive (I will climb Mt. Everest) and 2. to infinitive (I want to climb Mt. Everest). This lesson will focus on 'to infinitives'.

Infinitives can function as nouns, adjective complements and adverbs.

Infinitives as Adverbs

Like normal adverbs, infinitive adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They typically answer the question 'why?'

We use infinitive adverbs to provide the following information:

Purpose of an action: I went to the park to exercise.
Reasons for feeling a certain way: I was surprised to see her short hair.
Basis for some judgment: He was right to buy land there.

Notice that the infinitive phrases are generally at the end of the sentence.

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogues aloud with your tutor.

	Secretary I am happy to hear that the manager hired her.
	Akio Adachi Yes, the manager was wise to hire her for the position.

	Arisa We're very sorry to hear that you had an accident. I hope your leg isn't broken.
	Alex I went to the hospital to have it examined and luckily the doctor said it will heal in a month.

	Grace Sorry to disappoint you, but I did not qualify for the tennis tournament.
	Gym Instructor Just work harder next time to qualify.

	David I was surprised to see Jim yell at the cashier.
	Phuong Me too! It was weird of him to be so angry.

Exercise 3

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the infinitive version of the verb in parenthesis.

Example

The teacher came (explain) the test results. → "to explain"

The fireman climbed the ladder (rescue) the injured woman.

The players were afraid (lose) the game.

It is exciting (see) such an interesting design.

I would like (learn) more about your country!

I have some tasks (finish) over the weekend.

Am I old enough (drive)?

It is difficult (write) a song.

Greg was eager (begin) his studies.

Exercise 4

Sentence Building

You made a 'to do' list of things you need to do today. Build sentences using the infinitive and the following words. Start your sentences with 'I need...'.

Example

'go to the supermarket, buy vegetables' → "I need to go to the supermarket to buy vegetables."

study for the exam, get a good grade
go to the gym, exercise
talk to my boss, ask for a raise
clean the bathroom, get rid of bad smells
buy ingredients, make dinner
watch a movie, relax
go to the electronics store, get computer fixed
call the landlord, tell them about the broken tap