In English, an Infinitive always becomes a noun in the sentence. A noun can be used as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. So, an infinitive can also be used as a noun in a sentence. Whatever the tense may be, the base form of the verb is always preceded by "to" in infinitives. That's why we use the formula "to + verb" to make infinitives. This article explains infinitive as a subject, object, or compliment. It is also suggested to look at the examples below to see how an infinitive can be used as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence:-
Subject
To swim in the river is very dangerous. In this sentence, "to swim" is an infinitive and has been used as a subject of the sentence like a noun and we know the function of a noun which is a naming word. It names a thing, place, person, idea, or even it names an action also. So, here the infinitive "to swim" is being used as a noun of the sentence, denoting an art or skill.
Object
She wants to swim. In this sentence, the infinitive "to swim" is an object. We know the position of an object in a sentence. Usually, the object is placed at the end of the sentence and the main function of an object is to receive the action of the subject.
Complement
One of the best ways of keeping fit is to exercise every day. Here in this sentence, the infinitive "to swim" has been used as a complement. The words and expressions that complete the meaning of a sentence are called complements.
An infinitive is also used after the adjective. For example, the book was very interesting to read. Now if we look at the example, the word "interesting" is an adjective, and the infinitive "to read" has been used after the adjective "interesting".
An infinitive is also used in the following formula.
too + adjective + infinitive
The word "too" is used before the adjective and then infinitive. The word "too" is always used for that thing which creates problems for us. For example, the luggage was too heavy for him to lift.
More about Infinitive
Infinitives are forms like to read, to speak, to write, to go, to buy, to visit, to clean. They do not tell the actual time of actions or events like verb tenses written. Infinitives usually refer to events and actions in a more common way. There are five kinds of infinitives:-
2. Progressive Infinitive, e.g. to be writing
3. Perfect Infinitive, e.g. to have written
4. Passive Infinitive, e.g. to be written
5. Bare Infinitive or Infinitive without "to". It is used after the model auxiliary verbs. For example,
I must go now.
Let me go.
she makes them give me the money back.
Some important functions of Infinitives
- Infinitives always become nouns in sentences and can be used as the subject in a sentence. For example, To play in the World Cup is my dream
- An infinitive can also be used as the object of the sentence. For example, she wants to jump.
- An infinitive can also be used as a complement to the sentence. For example, A good way of getting knowledge is to read every day.
- An infinitive is also used after the adjective. For example, the movie was interesting to watch.
- An infinitive is also used in the formula "too+adjective+infinitive" to describe the problems. For example, the tea was too hot to drink.
- An infinitive is used after "do" or a model auxiliary verb as a part of a verb phrase. For example, we do believe in dialogue. We must get some more fruit.
- It is used to express a person's purpose. For example, she came to England to look for a job.
- An infinitive is used as the complement of a verb. For example, I don't want to go home.
- An infinitive is used as the complement of an adjective. For example, she was happy to meet you.
- An infinitive is used as the complement of a noun. For example, she went to school to teach her students.