Learning English Grammar

Infinitives

      An infinitive is another verb form that acts like a noun. An infinitive is made up of the word to and the base form of a verb.

Examples :
       to gather
      to listen
      to read
      to study
      to understand
      to write

      Below shows the functions of nouns. Note how an infinitive is like a real noun.

1. As the subject of a sentence. It is the topic of the sentence.
Examples  :
      A record of that song is in his collection of old songs.
      To record a song is the aim of every composer
      To climb the highest mountain has been his obsession.

2. As the appositive of another noun. It explains or identifies another noun.
Examples :
       Mr. Torres, the manager , is building a big house.
      Their plan, to build a big house, was realized.
      His goal, to win the competition, is supported by the company.

3. As a subjective complement or a predicate noun. It follows a linking verb and refers to the subject of the sentence.
Examples :
      To become a doctor in an unfulfilled wish.
      My only wish is to see you succeed in life.
      The desire of the singing group is to go abroad.

4. As a direct object. It receives the action of the verb.
Examples :
       My little sister loves chocolates.
       My little sister loves to dance.
      She wants to join the dance contest.

5. As an object of the preposition. It comes only after the preposition but, about and except.
Examples :
      The story is about underwater adventures.
       My sister was about to go abroad, last year.
      He could not do anything but to accept the decision.

       Infinitives can also function like adjectives.

Examples :
      This is the dress to wear.
      Have you seen the new books? They are the books to read.

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