I have some duties. I must perform them. (Rewrite the sentence using an infinitive)

How to Approach

This question tests basic grammatical transformation skills – specifically, the ability to rewrite a sentence using an infinitive construction. The approach involves understanding the original sentence's meaning and then expressing that same meaning using "to + verb." The answer should be concise and grammatically correct. No elaborate explanation is needed; the focus is on accurate sentence restructuring.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The English language offers various ways to express the same idea, often through different grammatical structures. Transforming sentences using infinitives is a common exercise in grammar, demonstrating an understanding of verb forms and sentence construction. This question requires a direct application of this skill, converting a sentence with a simple present tense verb into one utilizing an infinitive phrase to convey the same obligation or necessity. The goal is to maintain the original meaning while adhering to the specified grammatical change.

The original sentence is: "I have some duties. I must perform them."

Rewriting with an Infinitive

The sentence can be rewritten using an infinitive as follows:

"I have some duties to perform."

Explanation

The infinitive phrase "to perform" functions as an adjective modifying "duties," indicating what the duties are.
The modal verb "must" is replaced by the infinitive "to perform," effectively conveying the same sense of obligation.
The pronoun "them" is omitted as the infinitive directly relates to the "duties."

Alternatively, a slightly more elaborate but equally correct version is:

"I have some duties which I must perform." can be rewritten as "I have some duties to perform."

Another possible, though less concise, option is:

"It is my duty to perform them."

However, the most direct and concise answer, fulfilling the prompt's requirement, is "I have some duties to perform."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sentence "I have some duties. I must perform them" can be effectively rewritten using an infinitive as "I have some duties to perform." This demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English grammar and the ability to transform sentences while preserving their original meaning. The use of the infinitive provides a concise and grammatically sound alternative to the original phrasing, highlighting the flexibility of the English language.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Infinitive

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by "to" (e.g., to run, to eat, to think). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Modal Verb

Modal verbs (e.g., must, should, can, will) express necessity, possibility, permission, or obligation. They are auxiliary verbs that modify the meaning of the main verb.

Key Statistics

According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, approximately 1.45 billion people worldwide are learning English as a second language.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English, 2023

As of 2022, India has the second-largest number of English speakers in the world, with approximately 129 million English speakers.

Source: Statista, 2022 (Knowledge Cutoff)

Examples

Sentence Transformation

Consider the sentence "She wants to travel." Here, "to travel" is an infinitive functioning as the object of the verb "wants." This illustrates how infinitives are used to express desires or intentions.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between a gerund and an infinitive?

Both gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can function as nouns, but a gerund ends in "-ing" (e.g., swimming) while an infinitive uses "to" (e.g., to swim). They often have different connotations and are used in different contexts.

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