Infinitive phrase fragment

Definition

An infinitive phrase fragment is a group of words that begins with an infinitive (the base form of a verb, usually preceded by 'to') and includes any modifiers or complements, but does not form a complete sentence. These fragments often lack a subject or a main verb, making them incomplete thoughts that can lead to confusion in writing. Recognizing these fragments is essential for crafting clear and effective sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infinitive phrase fragments often arise when an infinitive phrase is used without an accompanying independent clause.
2. These fragments can create ambiguity and disrupt the flow of writing if not properly integrated into full sentences.
3. To correct an infinitive phrase fragment, one can connect it to an independent clause or revise it into a complete sentence.
4. Common examples include phrases like 'to eat pizza' or 'to finish my homework,' which need more context to stand alone.
5. Infinitive phrases can serve various functions in sentences, such as acting as subjects, objects, or modifiers; however, when they are fragments, they lose their intended clarity.

Review Questions

• How can you identify an infinitive phrase fragment in a piece of writing?
  • To identify an infinitive phrase fragment, look for groups of words starting with an infinitive (like 'to run' or 'to dance') that lack either a subject or a main verb. These phrases should provide additional information but do not convey a complete thought on their own. If the phrase doesn't fit smoothly into the context of surrounding sentences or lacks necessary components to stand alone, it's likely an infinitive phrase fragment.
• What are some strategies to revise an infinitive phrase fragment into a complete sentence?
  • To revise an infinitive phrase fragment into a complete sentence, you can connect it to an existing independent clause by adding it as additional information. Alternatively, you can create a new sentence that includes the infinitive phrase along with its necessary subject and verb. For example, instead of saying 'to play soccer,' which is a fragment, you could revise it to 'I want to play soccer,' making it a complete thought.
• Evaluate the impact of using infinitive phrase fragments in academic writing and how they can affect overall clarity.
  • Using infinitive phrase fragments in academic writing can significantly hinder clarity and coherence. When these fragments appear, they disrupt the flow of ideas and make it difficult for readers to grasp the writer's intended message. In an academic context where precision is crucial, fragments can lead to misunderstandings and weaken arguments. Therefore, ensuring all infinitive phrases are properly integrated into complete sentences is vital for maintaining effective communication and conveying complex ideas clearly.

Related terms

Infinitive: The base form of a verb, often preceded by 'to', that can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.

Sentence Fragment: A group of words that does not express a complete thought or cannot stand alone as a sentence due to lacking a subject, verb, or both.

Phrase: A group of words that work together as a single unit within a sentence but do not contain both a subject and a verb.