Teaching Infinitives: A Free Introductory ESL Lesson Plan

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

2. Thank you for downloading your free Off2Class lesson plan! This teacher-led lesson plan is designed using the communicative approach - perfect for teaching students online or in any screen-enabled classroom. To access the Teacher Notes and Answer Key, or to assign homework, click here to set up your free Off2class account. Don’t forget to join the discussion on Facebook to get access to other great tools for online ESL instruction.

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

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

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

6. What about you? What do you want to learn to do? What do you like 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: Losing weight requires eating healthy foods and exercising. Sometimes we use infinitives as subjects in ‘quotations’ or when we are defining a word: ‘To run’ means to move at a fast pace.

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

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 He went to the store _________. B He practiced _________. C She studied every day __________.

11. Complete the sentence with an infinitive or infinitive phrase A She wrote a letter _________. B 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? to to write to start to eat to win donate to overcome to play to walk 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.

14. Can you complete each sentence with an infinitive from the box? to to write to start to eat to win donate to overcome to play to walk 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.

15. Infinitive as a complement An infinitive can be used as a complement to an adjective: She was pleased to see you. Sometimes the infinitive gives a reason for the adjective: 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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

22. In your opinion… What meal is the most difficult to cook? What sport is hard to play? What meal is easy to cook? What sport is easy 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! What are you fortunate to have? Describe a time that you felt hesitant to do something. What are you determined to do in the future? What are you excited to do this year?

26. Complete the story with the infinitives to to to raise to tell to leave discover answer 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!