An uncompleted infinitive is a grammatical structure where the infinitive marker $to$ appears at the end of a clause without the verb that would normally follow it. The verb is omitted because it is already understood from the context of the preceding sentence or clause.
This structure is also known as an elliptical infinitive or a stranded 'to'. The core principle behind it is ellipsis—the act of leaving out words to avoid repetition and make language more efficient and natural.
Basic Example:
* "Would you like to come to the cinema with us?"
* "Yes, I'd love to."
In the response, "I'd love to," the word $to$ stands for $to \text{ come to the cinema with you}. Repeating the full phrase would be grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and redundant.
How and When Is It Used?
Uncompleted infinitives are extremely common in both spoken and written English. They are not considered informal or incorrect. They typically occur in the following situations:
1. In Responses to Questions
This is one of the most frequent uses, providing a short, natural-sounding answer.
* A: "Did you remember to lock the door?"
B: "Yes, I remembered to."
* A: "Are you going to finish your homework?"
B: "I'm trying to."
2. After Verbs That Typically Take a To-Infinitive
Many verbs are naturally followed by a $to$-infinitive (want to, need to, hope to, etc.). When the action is clear from the context, we can just use to`.
* She didn't win the race, but she had hoped to. (hoped $to \text{ win the race})
* I asked him to help me, but he didn't want to. (didn't want $to \text{ help me})
* You can borrow my car if you need to. (need $to \text{ borrow my car})
3. After Modal-like Verbs
Certain expressions that function like modal verbs often use this structure.
* have to: You don't have to come if you don't want to.
* be going to: I know I should clean my room. I'm going to.
* used to: He doesn't play the piano as much as he used to.
* ought to: "You should apologize." "I know I ought to."
* be supposed to: She didn't call me, even though she was supposed to.
4. In Comparative Structures
It can be used in comparisons to avoid repeating the verb.
* It's often harder to stay than it is to leave. (than it is $to \text{ stay})
* He wanted to go more than I wanted to. (than I wanted $to \text{ go})
Important Distinction: Uncompleted Infinitive vs. Prepositional 'to'
It's crucial not to confuse the infinitive marker $to$ with the preposition $to$. They look identical but serve different functions.
* Uncompleted Infinitive $to$: Stands in for a verb/action. It answers the question, "to do what?"
* Example: "He told me to leave, but I didn't want to." (To do what? To leave.)
* Preposition $to$: Indicates direction, purpose, or a recipient. It is followed by a noun or pronoun. It answers questions like "to where?" or "to whom?"
* Example: "I'm going to the library." (To where? To the library.)
* Example: "I gave the book to him." (To whom? To him.)
You cannot end a sentence with the preposition $to$ in this elliptical way.
* Incorrect: "Where are you going?" "The library to."
* Correct: "Where are you going?" "To the library."
Summary
| Feature | Description |
| What it is | The infinitive marker $to$ used alone at the end of a clause. |
| Also known as | Elliptical infinitive, stranded 'to'. |
| Why it's used | To avoid repetition (ellipsis), making speech and writing more fluid. |
| How it works | The verb that $to$ represents is understood from the context of the sentence. |
| Common Contexts | Responses to questions; after verbs like want, need, try; with expressions like have to, used to, ought to. |
| Formality | Standard in both formal and informal English. It is not slang or an error. |
| Key Distinction | It is the infinitive marker $to$ (representing a verb), not the preposition $to$ (representing direction/recipient). |
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