Infinitive as an adjective

Question

Hi, allLately, I've been catching myself at thought that I'm not quite sure whether I have to use Active Infinitive or Passive Infinitive in the sentences like this:I'll show you the boxes to move downstairs.I'll show you the boxes to be moved downstairs.That's the first problem to solve.That's the first problem to be solved.Is there any rule regarding which Infinitive to use in such sentences?Thanks in advance,LS

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Interesting question.

Lately, I've been catching myself at thought that I'm not quite sure whether I have to use Active Infinitive or Passive Infinitive in the sentences like this:

I'll show you the boxes to move downstairs. This sounds like you are telling me to move them. ie You might say it sounds 'active', my 'action' is required.
I'll show you the boxes to be moved downstairs. Depending on context as I note in a minute, this does not sound like you are telling me to move them. ie It sounds passive. You are just telling me the fact that these boxes are to be moved by someone. But please note that, in practice, this form is sometimes used as a polite, ie distanced, way of telling me to move them. If my wife says to me 'These are the dishes to be washed', she is not just telling me that someone will wash them, she means 'Clive, wash the dishes!'.

Best wishes, Clive

Cool Breeze · Answer

Lone SwordsmanThat's the first problem to solve.
That's the first problem to be solved.

Hi LS

I don't disagree with Clive in the least. I would just like to point out that the use of the infinitives is sometimes unsettled and may cause ambiguity. A person might say either of the two sentences to total strangers at a conference without any difference in meaning.

CB

Lone Swordsman · Answer

Hi guys.

Clive, that's a great explanation. Looks like I got the point.
But could you guys imagine a situation where using the Active Infinitive in such sentences would sound definitely odd to you in any context. Right now, I can't think of even one example.

Believer · Answer

Thank you, Clive.

Can you kindly tell me how could I know if the parts of original poster's sentences in bold letters are acting as adjectives?

I'll show you the boxes to move downstairs.

I'll show you the boxes to be moved downstairs.

Yankee · Answer

Hi Belöiever

Both of those infinitive phrases behave as adjectives. They both tell you "which ones".

Infinitive as an adjective

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