Infinitive Phrase
* Starts with "to" + verb: The infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to".
* Functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb:
* Noun: "To travel the world" is her dream. (The phrase acts as the subject of the sentence).
* Adjective: She has a plan to save money. (The phrase modifies the noun "plan").
* Adverb: He went to the store to buy milk. (The phrase modifies the verb "went").
* May contain objects or modifiers: "To travel the world comfortably"
Prepositional Phrase
* Starts with a preposition: Words like "on," "in," "at," "with," "by," "for," "from," "to," etc.
* Functions as an adjective or adverb:
* Adjective: The book on the table is mine. (Modifies the noun "book").
* Adverb: They walked through the park. (Modifies the verb "walked").
* Always ends with a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition): "on the table," "through the park," "with her friends"
Key Differences
* "To" + verb: Infinitive phrases always start with "to" followed by a verb. Prepositional phrases do not.
* Function: Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Prepositional phrases only function as adjectives or adverbs.
* Object of the preposition: Prepositional phrases always have a noun or pronoun as the object of the preposition. Infinitive phrases do not.
Examples
* Infinitive Phrase: "To eat a good meal" (acts as a noun – the subject of the sentence).
* Prepositional Phrase: "On the table" (acts as an adjective – modifies the noun "book").
Test Yourself:
* "To learn a new language" - Infinitive phrase (noun)
* "With a smile" - Prepositional phrase (adverb)
* "To play in the park" - Infinitive phrase (noun)
* "Under the tree" - Prepositional phrase (adverb)
Let me know if you would like more examples!