To-Infinitives

 What are "to-infinitives?"

• Basic Definition: A "to-infinitive" is the base form of a verb with the word "to" in front of it. It looks like this: "to + verb". For example: "to run", "to eat", "to think".

• Key Feature: The crucial thing about "to-infinitives" is that they don't function as verbs in a sentence. Instead, they act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

How "to-infinitives" Work

1. As Nouns:

   • Subject: "To err is human" (The infinitive phrase "to err" is the subject of the sentence).
   • Object: "I want to travel" (The infinitive phrase "to travel" is the object of the verb "want").
   • Complement: "My goal is to learn" (The infinitive phrase "to learn" complements the subject "goal").

2. As Adjectives:

   • "I need a book to read" (The infinitive phrase "to read" modifies the noun "book").

3. As Adverbs:

   • Purpose: "I went to the store to buy milk" (The infinitive phrase "to buy milk" explains the purpose of going to the store).
   • Reason: "She was happy to see him" (The infinitive phrase "to see him" explains the reason for her happiness).

Important Notes

• "Bare Infinitives": Sometimes, you'll see infinitives without the "to". These are called "bare infinitives" and are used after certain verbs (like modal verbs such as "can", "will", "must") or in specific constructions.

• No Tense: Infinitives themselves don't have a tense (past, present, future). They express the action in a general way.

Examples in Sentences

• "To learn a new language is challenging." (Infinitive as a noun/subject)
• "She needs someone to help her." (Infinitive as an adjective)
• "He exercises to stay healthy." (Infinitive as an adverb of purpose)