The structure of sentences and grammar are very important in the process of learning English. In particular, the infinitive plays a very important role in English sentences, and it is often used in an adverbial modifier. This article provides an in-depth explanation of how the infinitive is used adverbially in English sentences.
1. What is the infinitive?
The infinitive is a form created by combining the preposition ‘to’ with the base form of a verb, serving various functions. Typically, it can have noun, adjective, or adverbial functions. Grammatically, it is expressed in the form of ‘to + base verb’, and it can be used in various positions such as subject, object, or complement.
2. The infinitive as an adverbial use
The infinitive is primarily used in a sentence to modifying the verb, adding explanations about the purpose, reason, and result of an action. It is important to clarify for what, for what reason, or as a result of what a specific action is performed.
2.1 Expressions of purpose with the infinitive
When expressing purpose with the infinitive, the following structure can be used:
Subject + verb + infinitive
For example, in “I want to learn English,” “to learn” indicates the purpose of “want”. Here, we can see how the ‘intended purpose’ specifically explains the subject’s intention.
Additionally, the infinitive can be used with a variety of verbs to further specify the purpose. Such verbs include ‘hope’, ‘decide’, ‘need’, ‘plan’, etc. It is also important to examine how each verb can emphasize specific purposes.
2.2 Expressions of reason with the infinitive
When the infinitive expresses a reason, it generally takes the following form:
Subject + verb + object + infinitive
For example, in “She is studying hard to pass the exam,” “to pass” explains the reason she is studying hard. In this way, the infinitive clarifies the ‘reason’ for a specific action, enriching the sentence’s meaning.
2.3 Expressions of result with the infinitive
The infinitive is also used to express the result of an action.
For example, in “He saved money to buy a car,” “to buy” suggests the resultant purpose of ‘to buy a car’. This makes it clear what the result of the action is within the overall meaning of the sentence.
3. Position of the infinitive
The infinitive can appear in various positions within a sentence. Most commonly, it is placed after the subject or the verb.
For example, in “To travel abroad is my dream,” ‘traveling’ serves as the subject.
Additionally, it can follow the verb as in “I plan to go to Paris next summer.”
Sometimes, it is positioned at the end of a sentence to emphasize a specific action. For example, in “I need to improve my English skills to get a better job,” the infinitive at the end emphasizes the main purpose of the sentence once again.
4. Various uses of the adverbial infinitive
The adverbial infinitive can be used in various contexts, allowing the meaning of the sentence to become clearer and conveying different nuances.
4.1 Practice sentences using the infinitive
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with sentences is to practice various sentence patterns. Here are some examples using the adverbial infinitive:
- I exercise every day to stay healthy.
- They moved to the city to find better jobs.
- He studies at night to avoid distractions.
4.2 Finding the infinitive in context
To study practical English, it is also good to look for how the infinitive is used in various texts. By finding and understanding the infinitive in news articles, novels, essays, etc., you can naturally comprehend it within context.
5. Conclusion
The infinitive is a very important element in English itself and can be used diversely as an adverbial modifier in various contexts. Understanding the grammatical functions of the infinitive will greatly help in gaining a deeper understanding of English sentence structures. The next article will cover the adjectival use of the infinitive, allowing you to learn even more diverse English expressions.
If you want to improve your English skills, it is essential to consistently practice sentences using the infinitive and learn them in various contexts. Clarifying the purpose, reason, and result of specific actions will enable you to create your own English sentences.