Difference between to-infivitives as object and purpose?

Question

Hello,Can someone please help and explain the difference between to-infinitive as a object and subject?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Hi, drivera, Thanks for joining us. Welcome to English Forums.

I'd suggest asking yourself whether your problem lies more with your understanding of infinitives or with your understanding of subjects and objects.

The subject is the actor, or who/what the sentence/clause is all about. (Infinitives and present participles (gerunds) work about the same when functioning as subjects and objects) :

Subject of the sentence:

Skateboarding is fun. To skateboard is fun.

Overcoming this obstacle took all his energy. To overcome this obstacle took all his energy.

Direct object of the verb:

I hate taking advantage of you like this. I hate to take advantage of you like this.

I shall attempt building a house. I shall attempt to build a house.

Sometimes the infinitive alone (including the "to") is the subject or object, and sometimes the whole phrase is considered the subject or object:
(I like swimming.) I like to swim. I like to swim underwater.

Best wishes, - A.

Edit. Sorry, I couldn't see your header from down below. Your post said "object and subject" but your header said "object and purpose."

"Simple Simon went a-fishing [for] to catch a whale."

Infinitive of purpose is seen as an infinitive phrase answering the question "why?" Therefore the phrase could be called "adverbial" in terms of function, since it modifies the verb.

"I took a second job [in order] to pay my bills."

"I punched him in the nose to make him leave me alone."

Difference between to-infivitives as object and purpose?

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