Exercise 1: Underline the infinitives in the text given below.

A 47-year-old man from Buffalo Town went into the river one cold morning, intending to end his
life. At the last minute, he changed his mind and wanted to live, after all. Attempting to save him,
a rescue team climbed over ice formations along the shore and tried to reach him. However, they
could not do so because of the powerful current. They had to call a helicopter.

The pilot could see the utter desperation in the man’s eyes. As his partner prepared to throw a
line, the man lost his footing. Incredibly, he managed to catch a snag and grabbed the life ring.

Pulled to shore by police and fire rescuers, he was finally hauled to safety. The man was sent to
hospital where he had to undergo psychiatric treatment. Police refused to identify him publicly.

Exercise 2: Match the sentences halves 1-6 a-f to make sentences using the infinitive of purpose.

1. I go to the gym 3 times a week a. To give to her mother.

2. I went to the supermarket b. To see the new Woody Allen film.
3. We went to the cinema c. To do the weekly shop.
4. I drove all night just d. To clean underneath it.
5. He lifted up the sofa e. To keep fit.
6. She bought chocolates f. To see you.

Exercise 3: Construct sentences using the infinitive from the words given below. The tense to be
used is given in brackets.

1. The ability – laugh – unique to mankind. (Present)

2. The prosecutor – rise – question the witness. (Past)

3. He – be – fast enough – catch the thief. (Past)

4. Can you – try – count the stars? (Present)

5. It – be – your duty – look after your parents. (Present)

6. It – be – a relief – see him well again. (Past)

7. Shasha – feel – excited – visit her cousins. (Past)

8. She – visit – the orphanage – help with the children’s homework. (Present)

9. Akhila – has – eat – home-cooked meals. (Present)

10. There – be – no time – play. We – have – work immediately. (Past)

School Library Café Police station Restaurant

Field Museum Airport Shopping mall Stadium

School Library Café Police station Restaurant

Field Museum Airport Shopping mall Stadium

School Library Café Police station Restaurant

Field Museum Airport Shopping mall Stadium

School Library Café Police station Restaurant