Participles and Infinitives in English

Dialogue: A Busy Morning

(Read the dialogue and pay attention to the words in bold. These are Participles and Infinitives!)

Emma: Hey, Liam! What are you doing?
Liam: Oh, I'm trying to finish my homework before breakfast.
Emma: That sounds like a lot! I saw you running earlier. Were you late for something?
Liam: Yes, I was rushing to catch the bus. But I ended up missing it!
Emma: Oh no! So what did you do?
Liam: I started walking to school, but then Mom came and gave me a ride.
Emma: That was lucky! By the way, I was planning to bake some cookies today. Want to help?
Liam: Sure! I love helping to make cookies.

I was planning to bake some cookies today.

What are Participles and Infinitives?

Let’s learn about these important parts of English grammar!

Participles

A participle is a verb form that works like an adjective or helps make a verb tense. There are two types of participles:

  • Present Participle: Ends in -ing (e.g., running, missing).
  • Past Participle: Often ends in -ed or has an irregular form (e.g., baked, eaten).

Examples from the dialogue:

  • "I saw you running earlier." (running describes "you.")
  • "I ended up missing it." (missing completes the action of "ended up.")

Infinitives

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually with "to" in front (e.g., to finish, to catch). It can act like a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Examples from the dialogue:

  • "I'm trying to finish my homework." (to finish explains what Liam is trying to do.)
  • "I was planning to bake some cookies." (to bake shows Emma’s plan.)

How to Use Participles and Infinitives

1. Using Participles

  • As Adjectives:

    • The running water is cold. (describes the water)
    • The broken vase is on the table. (describes the vase)

  • In Verb Tenses:

    • Present Continuous: I am writing a book.
    • Perfect Tenses: She has written a letter.

2. Using Infinitives

  • To Show Purpose:

    • I went to the library to study.

  • After Certain Verbs:

    • I want to learn English.
    • He likes to read books.

Practice Time!

A. Fill in the Blanks

  1. I enjoy _______ (watch) movies with my friends.
  2. She decided _______ (travel) to Italy next year.
  3. The _______ (burn) toast smells terrible.
  4. Liam keeps _______ (forget) his keys at home.

B. Rewrite the Sentences

Change the sentences by using a participle or infinitive:

  1. Emma baked cookies. They were delicious.
    → The _______ cookies were delicious.
  2. Liam left the house because he wanted to catch the bus.
    → Liam left the house _______ the bus.

Quick Tips to Remember

  1. Participles often end in -ing or -ed and describe nouns or actions.
  2. Infinitives often start with to and explain why or what someone is doing.
  3. Practice using them in your own sentences!

Now go back to the dialogue and find more participles and infinitives. Happy learning! 😊

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