Border Patrol Practice Exam

Which type of verb would "to run" in the phrase "It is relaxing to run" be classified as?

1. Transitive

2. Intransitive

3. Infinitive

4. Imperative

The correct answer is: Infinitive

In the phrase "It is relaxing to run," the verb "to run" functions as an infinitive. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by "to," and does not indicate tense or number. In this context, "to run" expresses an action without referring to a specific subject or tense, which aligns with its classification as an infinitive. Transitive and intransitive verbs refer to how a verb interacts with its objects. A transitive verb requires a direct object to receive the action (for example, "He kicked the ball"), while an intransitive verb does not take a direct object (for example, "He runs"). The verb "to run" in the given phrase does not fit either of these categories since it is not functioning in a manner that involves a subject performing an action on an object. An imperative verb gives commands or requests (for example, "Run fast!"), which doesn't apply here since the phrase is not expressing a command but rather describing an action that is enjoyable. Thus, the proper classification of "to run" in this context is indeed as an infinitive.