Adjectival phrase vs. adverbial phrase.

Question

Why is this infinitive phrase adjectival?“The student lacked the energy - to continue the exam.”But is this other one adverbial?“You will need a pen - to write with.”Thank you!

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Often the classification of such constructions depends on the analytical methodology you are using, i.e., being taught.

I suspect that whatever book you are reading on this topic considers "to continue the exam" as a kind of energy, strange as that may seem. This leads them to say that the infinitive construction modifies 'energy'. On the other hand, your book probably treats "to write with" as an infinitive of purpose, which is adverbial.

So the conclusions they reach are likely based on these questions:

What kind of energy? Energy to continue the exam.
Why will I need a pen? In order to write with. / For the purpose of writing.

In my opinion it's all pretty arbitrary, and it certainly won't help you to read, write, speak, or understand English.

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

I agree with CJ - you will find classification rather arbitrary.

Can you remove the phrase and still leave the sentence intact?

1. The student lacked the energy. I would answer, No. The sentence has lost an essential element.

2. You will need a pen. Yes. The phrase is non-essential, so it is an adjunct. (Adverbial.)

Anonymous · Answer

piermo
Why is this infinitive phrase adjectival?
“The student lacked the energy - to continue the exam.”

It's not adjectival. Its function is that of complement of the noun "energy". It's a complement because it is licensed (specifically required or permitted) by the noun "energy".

piermoBut is this other one adverbial?“You will need a pen - to write with.”

It's not adverbial. Again, this is a complement,this time of the verb "need". The NP "a pen" is the syntactic object of "need". The covert (understood) subject of "write" is "you".

Adjectival phrase vs. adverbial phrase.

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