Infinitive: Overview

Infinitive: Overview

A verb form—often preceded by the participle "to"—that can function as a subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or adverb.

Formulas: To Identify Infinitive Function

Key

S = subject

AV = action verb

LV = linking verb

 

An infinitive can function in the following ways:

*Subject = to + verb + V

*Direct Object = S + AV + to + verb.

*Subject Complement (also known as Predicate Nominative) = S + LV + to + verb.

*Adjective= describes noun or pronoun with to + verb

*Adverb = describes verb, adjective, or another adverb with to + verb

Infinitive Example: Subject Position

To wait seemed foolish when decisive action was required. 

{To wait is an infinitive that is located at the beginning of the sentence in the subject position & is taken to the verb "seemed".}

Infinitive Example: Direct Object Position

I don’t like to cry in public unless I’m getting paid for it.

{To cry is an infinitive that is acting as a direct object & is located after the action verb “like.”}

Infinitive Example: Subject Complement (Predicate Nominative)

His ambition is to fly. 

{To fly is an infinitive and is in the subject complement [predicate nominative] postion because it comes after the linking verb ("is") and renames what his ambition is.}

Infinitive Example: Adjective Position

He lacked the strength to resist. 

{To resist is an infinitive and is acting as an adjective because it is modifying [describing] the noun (direct object) "strength".}

Infinitive Example: Adverb Position

We must study the map to learn the directions. 

{To learn the directions is an infinitive and is acting as an adverb because it is modifying [describing] the verb phrase "must study". It is answering why we must study.}