Infinitives
An infinitive is the basic form of a verb that usually starts with the word "to." It is not tied to any specific time, person, or number and functions as a noun, adjective, adverb, compliments, fixed expression or infinitive phrases in a sentence. Any verb can be turned into an infinitive by adding "to" in front of it.
Why we use them
We use them so we can focus on what you or someone else wants, likes, or plans to do. Infinitives helps to say something that is short and brief without adding a lot of detail.
When to use them
We use infinitives when we want to talk about an action without worrying about when it happens or who’s doing it.
Here are a list of ways Infinitives can be used.
Infinitives as Nouns
Used as the subject of a sentence: To swim is fun.
Reason: In this sentence, the infinitive "to swim" acts as the subject, performing the action of the verb "is." It’s treated as a noun because it’s the entity being discussed—the idea of swimming.
Used as the object of a verb: She wants to learn.
Reason: Here, the infinitive "to learn" functions as the direct object of the verb "wants." It answers the question "What does she want?" making it the target or receiver of the action.
Infinitives as Adjectives
Used to describe or modify a noun: She has a book to read.
Reason: The infinitive "to read" modifies the noun "book," telling us what kind of book it is or what the book is for. In this way, it acts as an adjective by providing more information about the noun
Infinitives as Adverbs
Used to explain the purpose or reason for an action: He left early to avoid the traffic.
Reason: The infinitive "to avoid" explains why he left early, indicating the purpose of the action. This use of the infinitive functions as an adverb by providing a reason or goal for the verb "left."
Used to describe the manner or how something is done: She spoke loudly to be heard.
Reason: In this sentence, "to be heard" explains how or why she spoke loudly, describing the manner in which the action was carried out. The infinitive here serves as an adverb modifying the verb "spoke."
Infinitives as Complements
Subject Complement: Her goal is to succeed.
Reason: The infinitive "to succeed" completes the meaning of the subject "Her goal" by following the linking verb "is." It tells us what her goal is, functioning as a subject complement that renames or redefines the subject.
Object Complement: He asked me to help.
Reason: The infinitive "to help" serves as a complement to the object "me," providing more information about what "me" is being asked to do. It follows a verb of causation (like "ask") and specifies the action that the object should perform.
Infinitives in Fixed Expressions
Infinitives can appear in idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases: It’s important to note that...
Reason: The infinitive "to note" is part of a fixed expression that carries a specific meaning or usage. In this context, it’s used as a conventional phrase where the infinitive conveys the main action or focus of the expression.
Infinitives in Infinitive Phrases
Infinitives can be part of a larger infinitive phrase, which functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb: I need to finish the report by Friday.
Reason: The phrase "to finish the report by Friday" is an infinitive phrase functioning as the object of the verb "need." It answers the question "What do I need to do?" and the entire phrase acts as a noun phrase describing the action necessary.
Some verbs, like "want," "need," or "hope," are often followed by an infinitive. Here’s a few pdfs download.