LoginTo-infinitives
In this lesson we learn about to-infinitives, which are essential verb forms consisting of "to" followed by the base form of the verb, often functioning as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are To-infinitives?
To-infinitives, also known as full infinitives, consist of the base form of the verb preceded by the word 'to'. To-infinitives are widely used to express necessity and purpose.
To-infinitives: Functions
To-infinitives can function as:
To-infinitives as Nouns
Nominal to-infinitives can be used as subjects and direct objects in a sentence.
To-infinitive as Subject
To-infinitives can be used at the beginning of the sentence as the subject of the sentence. Here are the examples.
To cook is an enjoyable hobby for me.
To study was really hard for him.
To-infinitives as direct Objects
A to-infinitive can also be used as the direct object of transitive verbs. Check out the examples:
I wanted to drink soda but he ordered fizzy pop.
They liked to share their food.
To-infinitives as Adverbs
Adverbial to-infinitives are used to modify an adjective, adverb, or a main verb to express purpose or reason. Here are a few examples.
They left early to avoid traffic.
An adverbial to-infinitive clause expressing purpose
He was happy to see his friend.
An adverbial to-infinitive clause expressing reason
Adverbial to-infinitive clauses that express purpose can come at the beginning of the sentence, but in this position they need a comma after them. Adverbials of reason, however, cannot come at the beginning of the sentence. Look at the examples:
She studied hard to pass the exam. → To pass the exam, she studied hard.
When an adverb of purpose comes at the beginning of the sentence, it is followed by a comma.
She was sad to hear the news. → To hear the news, she was sad.
Adverbs of reason cannot come at the beginning of the sentence
To-infinitives as Adjectives
Sometimes to-infinitives can be used to modify a noun. So, they act as adjectives. Here are a few examples.
That was not a story to remember.
The movie is one to watch, I strongly recommend it .
To-infinitives as Complements
To-infinitives can be used as subject complement after linking verbs and as adjective complements. Take a look at the examples:
Her dream is to become a doctor.
To-infinitive clause as subject complement
They are ready to begin the performance.
To-infinitive clause as adjective complement
To-infinitives: Forms
Apart from the basic [to + base form of the verb] form, to-infinitives can be used in different forms depending on the aspect and voice of the verb. Check out the list.
Perfect To-infinitives
A perfect to-infinitive implies a completed action. The general structure is [to + have + past participle]. Here are a few examples.
She is said to have been a good nurse back then.
In this example, "she was a good nurse in the past, maybe she is retired now."
He is known to have stepped on the moon.
Perfect Continuous To-infinitive
Perfect continuous to-infinitives are formed using the structure [have + been + the present participle of a verb]. They indicate a completed action that has been ongoing for a while. Here are some examples.
I am glad to have been talking to such a great person.
You seem to have been training for five years by then. I am sure you will win.
Continuous To-infinitives
Continuous to-infinitives are formed using the structure [to be + present participle] and indicate an ongoing or continuous action. They can indicate a purpose or goal or express a future plan or intention. For example:
She hopes to be traveling around the world next year
They seemed to be drinking and having fun.
Passive To-infinitives
To-infinitives can be used in the passive voice using the verb 'to be' in its base form followed by a past participle. Here are a few examples.
The man is to be killed is standing there.
I expect all the rooms to be cleaned before the guests arrive.
Using To-infinitives in Special Structures
To-infinitives can be used in special structures to express specific meanings.
Be + To-Infinitive
This structure uses to-infinitive to talk about activities that somebody is going to do or is supposed to do. Here are the examples.
They were to vote for the president.
I was to leave you but I couldn't.
In Nominal Relatives
To-infinitives can be used after relative pronouns to form nominal relative clauses. Check out the examples:
They don't know where to play.
Tell me how to find a solution.
Coordinated To-infinitive Clauses
When two to-infinitive clauses are coordinates using a coordinating conjunction (such as "and", "or", "but"), the "to" before the base form of the verb can be omitted from the second clause. Look at the examples:
She wants to study biology and become a doctor.
Are you planning to buy the house or rent it?
Review
To-infinitive verbs can be used in the following forms;
simple
continuous
perfect
perfect continuous
passive
Quiz:
Which sentence uses a to-infinitive as an adjective?
She was delighted to meet her old friends.
This is the book to read before the exam.
He left early to catch the train.
To exercise regularly is good for your health.
Match each sentence with the function of the to-infinitive clause.
Fill the blanks using the specified infinitive form of the verbs in parenthese.
She went to the library
(borrow, basic form) some books for her research.
He is believed
(write, perfect) the famous novel in just three months.
The package needs
(deliver, passive) by tomorrow morning.
She seems
(enjoy, continuous) the party right now.
(learn, basic form) a new skill can be both challenging and rewarding.
Sort the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
Which sentence uses a to-infinitive in a nominal relative clause?
She decided to study abroad next year.
He doesn't know what to say in such situations.
The team worked hard to achieve their goal.
To exercise daily improves your health.
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