Infinitive clauses

Definition

Infinitive clauses are groups of words that include an infinitive verb, which is the base form of the verb preceded by 'to'. These clauses can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence, making them a versatile part of speech. They can convey purpose, intention, or necessity and are essential in understanding non-finite verbs along with participles and gerunds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infinitive clauses can serve various grammatical roles, including acting as the subject of a sentence, such as in 'To learn is important.'
2. They can also function as the object of a verb, as in 'She wants to travel to Europe.'
3. Infinitive clauses may express purpose, such as 'He studies hard to pass his exams.'
4. These clauses are considered non-finite because they do not indicate tense and can occur without a subject.
5. In addition to serving different roles in sentences, infinitive clauses can also be modified by adverbs and can take objects.

Review Questions

• How do infinitive clauses function within sentences and what roles do they typically fulfill?
  • Infinitive clauses play significant roles in sentences by functioning as subjects, objects, or complements. For example, when used as a subject, the clause can start the sentence as in 'To read is enjoyable.' As an object, it follows the main verb, such as in 'She hopes to win the competition.' This versatility makes them integral to sentence structure and meaning.
• Discuss how infinitive clauses differ from gerunds and participles in terms of their grammatical functions.
  • Infinitive clauses differ from gerunds and participles primarily in their function and form. Infinitives act like nouns and can serve as subjects or objects, while gerunds also function as nouns but specifically describe ongoing actions. Participles, on the other hand, typically function as adjectives describing nouns or are used in forming verb tenses. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper usage in writing.
• Evaluate the impact of using infinitive clauses on sentence complexity and clarity when expressing purpose or intention.
  • Using infinitive clauses can significantly enhance sentence complexity and clarity by effectively expressing purpose or intention. For instance, incorporating an infinitive clause like 'to finish his homework' provides clear reasoning behind an action, such as in 'He studies late to finish his homework.' This structure allows for nuanced expression of motivations behind actions, making writing more engaging and informative.

Related terms

infinitive: The base form of a verb often preceded by 'to', used to express actions or states without indicating tense.

gerund: A verb form that ends in '-ing' and functions as a noun in a sentence, often used to describe ongoing actions.

participle: A verb form that can act as an adjective or as part of a verb tense, typically ending in '-ed' or '-ing'.