Which sentences contain an infinitive? Check all that apply. Sanjay is moving to a new neighborhood. I’m working to save up for some new music. Please return the books to Sarah. Denise likes to get her exercise by dancing. Dave has to walk the dog every morning.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answers (sentences containing an infinitive):
✅ I’m working to save up for some new music.
✅ Denise likes to get her exercise by dancing.
✅ Dave has to walk the dog every morning.
Explanation
An infinitive is the base form of a verb that is often preceded by the word “to.” For example, “to run,” “to read,” and “to dance” are all infinitives. Infinitives can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. They are not the main verb unless part of a verb phrase like “has to walk.”
Let’s go through each sentence:
- Sanjay is moving to a new neighborhood.
This sentence does not contain an infinitive. The word “to” here is part of a prepositional phrase (“to a new neighborhood”), not an infinitive verb. - I’m working to save up for some new music. ✅
This contains the infinitive “to save.” “To save up” explains why the person is working, functioning as an adverb modifying “working.” - Please return the books to Sarah.
The phrase “to Sarah” is also a prepositional phrase, not an infinitive. “To” is used to indicate direction or recipient, not an action. - Denise likes to get her exercise by dancing. ✅
The verb “to get” is an infinitive used as the direct object of the verb “likes.” It tells us what Denise likes to do. - Dave has to walk the dog every morning. ✅
“To walk” is an infinitive used with the modal verb “has.” The full phrase “has to walk” expresses obligation.
To sum up, look for the structure “to + verb” that functions as part of the meaning of the sentence, not just as a preposition. That will help identify infinitives easily.
