Unit_024

Question 1

An infinitive is a verb form (verbal) which is used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. An infinitive is usually preceded by the word to which is commonly called the sign of the infinitive. When to is used in this way, it is not a preposition.

Answer 1

English Grammar Rule #185

Question 2

An infinitive is often used as a noun. Like the noun, an infinitive may be used as the subject of a sentence, the direct object of a verb, the object of a preposition, or as a predicate noun after a linking verb.

Answer 2

English Grammar Rule #186

Question 3

the infinitive is also used as an adjective or an adverb. When the infinitive is used as an adjective, it usually modifies a preceding noun. When the infinitive is used as an adverb, it modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. When the infinitive modifies a verb, it usually expresses purpose.

Answer 3

English Grammar Rule #187

Question 4

Like the gerund and the participle, an infinitive may take any kind of complement or modifier that a verb might take. Sometimes the infinitive takes a direct object. Sometimes it takes both an indirect and a direct object. If the infinitive is a form of a linking verb, it is usually followed by a predicate noun or a predicate adjective. An infinitive may be modified by an adverb or an adverbial phrase.

Answer 4

English Grammar Rule #188

Question 5

An infinitive with its complement or complements and its modifier or modifiers constitutes an infinitive phrase. The infinitive phrase may be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.

Answer 5

English Grammar Rule #189

Question 6

Like the participle and the gerund, the infinitive cannot function as the predicate verb of a sentence.

Answer 6

English Grammar Rule #190