The Basic Concept of the Infinitive with ‘to’
In English, the “infinitive with ‘to'” generally appears in the form “to + base verb,” expressing the relationship between the subject and the verb or indicating purpose, cause, result, etc. This structure can serve roles of nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, making it very versatile. For example, “to study” represents the essence of the verb meaning “to study,” while “to be happy” describes the state of “to be happy.”
The infinitive with ‘to’ is primarily used in the following contexts:
- As the subject: To study is important.
- As the object: She wants to go.
- As an adjective: I have a lot of work to do.
- As an adverb: He was happy to see you.
Main Expressions Derived from the Infinitive with ‘to’
1. The Infinitive with ‘to’ Indicating Purpose
One of the most common uses of the infinitive with ‘to’ is to indicate purpose. In this case, the infinitive can follow the verb, and this structure carries the meaning of “in order to.” For example, “I study to gain knowledge” means “I study in order to gain knowledge.”
When using the infinitive to indicate purpose, attention should be paid to the verb-subject agreement. If the subject is first-person, the present tense verb is generally used, such as “study,” while caution is necessary for third-person subjects, as in “He studies to become a doctor.”
2. The Infinitive with ‘to’ Acting as the Subject
The infinitive with ‘to’ can sometimes serve as the subject. In this case, one must consider the number agreement between the infinitive and the verb. An example is “To learn new languages is beneficial,” where the infinitive is used as the subject. Here, “learn” means “to learn.”
It is important to ensure that the infinitive clearly signifies the actual subject’s meaning. When using the infinitive as a subject, care must be taken to set up relationships with other sentence elements clearly.
3. The Infinitive with ‘to’ Acting as the Object
Another common usage occurs when the infinitive serves as the object. Many verbs can take an infinitive after them, in which case it carries the meaning of “in order to.” For example, “She wants to travel” indicates “in order to travel.”
It is important to note that not all verbs take an infinitive as an object. For instance, “enjoy” typically takes a gerund, as in “enjoy doing.” Hence, it is essential to know the characteristics of each verb.
4. The Infinitive with ‘to’ Acting as an Adjective
The infinitive can also be used as an adjective to modify nouns. In such cases, the infinitive provides the characteristic required by the noun in the form of “to + verb.” For instance, “I have a book to read” conveys the meaning “I have a book to read.”
When modifying a noun, one should always consider the characteristics of the noun, ensuring that it harmonizes with the meaning of the verb. In other words, it is crucial to clearly understand what action a noun requires.
5. The Infinitive with ‘to’ Acting as an Adverb
Finally, the infinitive can also be used as an adverb. In this case, it typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. An example is “She was excited to meet her friend,” where “to meet” has the adverbial meaning of “in order to meet.”
When used as an adverb, it can modify a verb or adjective depending on the situation, enriching the sentence’s meaning.
Additional Roles of the Infinitive with ‘to’
1. Idioms and Expressions Derived from the Infinitive with ‘to’
There are various idioms and expressions in English that include the infinitive with ‘to.’ These expressions can deviate from standard sentence structures and form their unique meanings. For instance, “to be honest” means “to be honest.”
By learning these idioms, one can gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of English and communicate effectively. It is essential to encounter various expressions, grasp their meanings in context, and practice using them appropriately.
2. Avoiding Grammatical Mistakes with the Infinitive
One common error when using the infinitive is the agreement problem with verbs. When used with specific verbs, it is crucial to confirm whether the infinitive is appropriate. For example, one should say “I enjoy swimming,” not “I enjoy to swim.”
To avoid these errors, it is essential to memorize basic structures used with relevant verbs and continually practice. Maintaining correct sentence structures is important.
Exercises on the Infinitive with ‘to’
1. Fill in the Blanks
Please fill in the blanks in the sentences below with the appropriate infinitive with ‘to.’
- She decided _____ (go) to the store.
- It’s important _____ (be) punctual.
- He wants _____ (learn) a new language.
2. Transform the Sentences
Transform the given sentences using the infinitive with ‘to.’
- He is happy. He will see us.
- It is a good idea. You should start studying.