Teaching Infinitives: A Free Introductory ESL Lesson Plan

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.

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Transcript

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