A powertrain includes a first electric motor coupled to an internal combustion engine with a ratio changing device and a second motor selectively coupled to the engine through an engine disconnect clutch, the second motor further coupled to an input shaft of a transmission. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring a propelling torque provided by the second motor, monitoring a speed of the second motor, determining a condition of the second motor based upon the propelling torque and the speed of the second motor, selecting a control mode for the first motor based upon the condition of the second motor and controlling the first motor, the second motor, and the engine disconnect clutch based upon the control mode.