Today is our topic of discussion – Definition of Infinitive
Definition of Infinitive
Definition of Infinitive
An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to and a regular form of verb and working as a noun, adjective, or adverb. The term “verbal” indicates an infinitive, like the other two kinds of verbals are based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being.
However, the infinitive may function as a subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
To cook is an essential skill. (subject)
We like to eat fruits. (direct object)
My goal is to learn English. (subject complement)
You need the highest number of votes to win. (adjective)
I raised my hand to speak. (adverb)
Be sure not to confuse an infinitive – a verbal consisting of “to and a verb” with a prepositional phrase beginning with to, which consists of “to and a noun or pronoun” and any modifiers.
Infinitives: to eat, to go, to draw, to become, to enter, to stand, to catch, to belong etc.
Prepositional phrases: to him, to the Chairman, to my house, to the mountains, to us, to this address etc.
Infinitive phrases
An infinitive phrase is a group of words consisting of an infinitive and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that function as the actor(s), direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the infinitive. As-
We intended to leave early.
- The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb intended.
to leave – is an infinitive
early – is an adverb
As-I have an assignment to complete before lunch.
- The infinitive phrase functions as an adjective modifying paper. to complete is an infinitive
before lunch – is a prepositional phrase as adverb
As-Rajib agreed to give me a ride. - The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb agreed.
to give – is an infinitive
me – is an indirect object of action expressed in infinitive
a ride – is a direct object of action expressed in infinitive
As-They asked me to bring some food.
- The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb asked.
me – is an actor or “subject” of infinitive phrase
to bring – is an infinitive some food – is a direct object of action expressed in infinitive
As – Everyone wanted Shomrat to be the captain of the team.
- The infinitive phrase functions as the direct object of the verb wanted.
Shomrat – is an actor or “subject” of infinitive phrase
to be – is an infinitive
the captain – is a subject complement for Shomrat, via state of being expressed in infinitive
of the team – is a prepositional phrase as adjective
Actors: In these last two examples, the actor of the infinitive phrase could be roughly characterized as the “subject” of the action or state expressed in the infinitive. It is somewhat misleading to use the word subject, however, since an infinitive phrase is not a full clause with a subject and a finite verb.
Also notice that when it is a pronoun, the actor appears in the objective case (me, not I, in the fourth example). Certain verbs, when they take an infinitive direct object, require an actor for the infinitive phrase; others can’t have an actor. Still other verbs can go either way, as the charts below illustrate.
Verbs that take infinitive objects without actors:
Examples:
Most students plan to study.
We began to learn.
They offered to pay.
They neglected to pay.
She promised to return.
In all of these examples no actor can come between the bold main (finite) verb and the infinitive direct-object phrase.
Verbs that take infinitive objects with actors:
Examples:
Mom reminded me to buy milk.
Their parents advise them to study.
The lawyer forced the defendant to admit the truth.
She has convinced the director of the program to change her position.
I invite you to consider the evidence.
In all of these examples an actor is required after the bold main (finite) verb and before the infinitive direct-object phrase.
Verbs that use either pattern:
Examples:
I asked to see the records.
I asked him to show me the records.
Shohag expected his group to win.
Shohag expected to win.
Zahid likes his friend to drive fast.
In all of these examples the italicized main verb can take an infinitive object with or without an actor.
Punctuation: If the infinitive is used as an adverb and is the beginning phrase in a sentence, it should be set off with a comma; otherwise, no punctuation is needed for an infinitive phrase.
To buy a basket of flowers, Asif had to spend his last dollar. To improve your writing, you must consider your purpose and audience.
Split infinitives
Split infinitives take places when additional words are included between “to” and the verb in an infinitive. Many readers find a single adverb splitting the infinitive to be acceptable, but this practice should be avoided in formal writing.
Examples:
I like to on a nice day walk in the woods. * (unacceptable)
On a nice day, I like to walk in the woods. (revised)
I needed to quickly gather my personal possessions. (acceptable in informal contexts)
I needed to gather my personal possessions quickly. (revised for formal contexts)