When teaching infinitives it is especially important to know what they are. Infinitives are the base form of verbs. Infinitives are often formed by placing the word “to” and then following it with a verb. For example, “to buy/to work/to shop”. Keep in mind that a bare infinitive does not have the word “to” preceding it. Sometimes English speakers use infinitives as objects in sentences. Infinitives can also be used as a subject at the beginning of some sentences; they can be used as adverbs to modify verbs as well. Finally, they can be used as adjectives and/or complements to adjectives. As the lesson progresses, you will introduce the different uses of infinitives to students. Though teaching infinitives seems difficult, this lesson makes it fun and clear. If you want additional lesson plans and support, including teachers’ notes, be sure to register for a free Off2Class account.

1. G1.2 - Introduction to
Infinitives
Lesson 2/11
ESL Lesson Plan

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3. What is an infinitive?
to verb infinitive
Can you think
of an infinitive
to describe
each of the
following
images?
to buy to work to shop to run

4. Infinitives
He likes to
swim.
Infinitives can be used as objects following verbs:

5. 1. On sunny days, I
like _________.
2. My parents want
_________.
3. I don’t like
_________.
Complete each sentence with an infinitive
4. I often forget
_________.
5. He promised
_________.
6. I can’t afford
_________.

6. What about you?
What do
you like to
do?
What do
you want
to learn to
do?
What do you
hope to
accomplish
in the future?

7. Infinitives can be used as a subject at the
beginning of a sentence
For example: To lose weight requires eating healthy foods
and exercising.
Gerunds are more common in this structure:
Sometimes we use infinitives as
subjects in ‘quotations’ or when we
are defining a word:
Losing weight requires eating healthy foods and exercising.
‘To run’ means to move at a fast
pace.

8. Can you match the infinitive to its ending?
To find a job…
To learn Spanish…
…is better than to have
never tried at all.
…is easier than learning
French.
To try and fail…
…is essential to a healthy
lifestyle.
To sleep well…
…is my goal this month.

9. Infinitives can be used as adverbs
to modify verbs
An adverb is a word that answers the questions: When?
Where? How? To what extent? and sometimes Why?
He returned
home to help his
wife.
Why did he
return home?
To help his
wife.

10. Complete the sentence with
an infinitive or infinitive phrase
A
C
He went to the store _________.
She studied
every day
__________.
B He practiced
_________.

11. Complete the sentence with
an infinitive or infinitive phrase
A
B
She wrote a letter _________.
He is excited _________.

12. Infinitive as an adjective
An infinitive can be used as an adjective to modify a noun:
She has the ability to be
successful.

13. Can you complete each sentence with an
infinitive from the box?
7. I need a volunteer ______ some of his or her time.
8. Who was the first person ______ on the moon?
9. She is competitive. Her desire ________ is very strong.
10. He has had many obstacles ________ in his life.
to
donate
to walk
to win
to eat
to start
to overcome to play
to write

14. Can you complete each sentence with an
infinitive from the box?
11. His first attempt _________ his own business ended in
failure.
12. I’m starving. I need something _________.
13. I can’t go out tonight. I have a paper _________ for my
history class.
14. They hired a band _________ music at the party.
to
donate
to walk
to win
to eat
to start
to overcome to play
to write

15. Infinitive as a complement
Sometimes the infinitive gives a reason for the adjective:
She was
pleased to see
you.
Common adjectives used in this way are:
amazed, anxious, ashamed, content, delighted, disappointed,
eager, fortunate, glad, happy, hesitant, lucky, pleased, proud,
reluctant, sad, shocked, sorry, surprised, upset…
An infinitive can be used as a complement to an adjective:

16. Complete each sentence with an infinitive
A
C
She was happy __________.
She was hesitant
_______.
B
She was sad
____________.

17. Complete each sentence with an infinitive
A
B
He was eager _______.
She was surprised _______.

18. Other adjectives often followed
by the infinitive:
able unable likely unlikely ready
prepared willing unwilling
I’m really tired. I’m ready to go to bed.

19. Complete each sentence with an infinitive
A
B
She is getting ready _________.
He isn’t prepared __________.

20. Complete each sentence with an infinitive
A
B
She is willing _________.
She is unable _________.
Yes, I can
travel!

21. Infinitive after adjectives for an opinion
Some common adjectives used in this way are: difficult, easy,
foolish, hard, impossible, possible, right, silly, wrong…
He spoke so
quickly. It was
difficult to
understand him.
We often use the infinitive after adjectives to give opinions:

22. In your opinion…
What meal
is easy to
cook?
What meal is
the most difficult
to cook?
What sport
is easy to
play?
What sport is
hard to play?

23. We use too + adjective + infinitive…
…to express that something is below or above what is
desirable.
This box is too
heavy to carry. =
(the weight of the
box is above the
desired amount)
She is too short
to play
basketball.=
(her height is
below the
desired amount)

24. Complete each sentence with
an infinitive + extra information if needed
15. It is too cold _________!
16. The question was too
difficult _________.
17. Mary is too young
_________.
18. I am too tired _________.
19. They are too exhausted
_________.

25. Let’s practice some adjectives + infinitives!
Describe a time that
you felt hesitant to
do something.
What are you
fortunate to
have?
What are you
determined to
do in the future?
What are you
excited to do
this year?

26. Complete the story with the infinitives
Sarah was a straight-A student. She never failed a test and
always did her homework. She studied each night and was
always prepared ______ any question that the teacher might
ask. But, one day, Sarah accidentally left her homework on the
table and her dog ate it. She was usually careful not ______
her homework in a place where the dog could get it, but this
time, she forgot. The next day in school, Sarah was hesitant
______ the teacher what happened. The teacher would be
shocked ______ that Sarah didn’t have her homework. Just as
she was about ______ her hand and tell the teacher, the fire
alarm began to ring. Luckily, class was canceled for the day!
to raise
to
discover
to tell to leave
to
answer