0
Jamez101 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Infinitives
An infinitive is the preposition to followed by a verb. Or put another way, one of the forms of a verb preceded by to. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs:
As Nouns To err is human, to forgive, divine. - I don't understand how infinitives function as nouns at all?
He admitted that to go there made him ill.
Merely to be watched made the bird fly away.
As Adjectives Her desire to confess was welcomed. (modifies desire) - is desire a noun?
It's time to go. (modifies time) - Is time a noun? As adjectives modify nouns and pronouns?
As adverbs He wrote the article to attract attention to the scandal. (tells why he wrote the article)
More players are using japanese pianos to achieve a more rounded tone. (tells how they are using pianos) - Do they function as adverbs simply because they add information?
Basicly I'm having trouble understanding how infinitives or/and verbs can function as nouns, adjectives and adverbs. If anyone could help me try to understand it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
As Nouns To err is human, to forgive, divine. - I don't understand how infinitives function as nouns at all?
He admitted that to go there made him ill.
Merely to be watched made the bird fly away.
As Adjectives Her desire to confess was welcomed. (modifies desire) - is desire a noun?
It's time to go. (modifies time) - Is time a noun? As adjectives modify nouns and pronouns?
As adverbs He wrote the article to attract attention to the scandal. (tells why he wrote the article)
More players are using japanese pianos to achieve a more rounded tone. (tells how they are using pianos) - Do they function as adverbs simply because they add information?
Basicly I'm having trouble understanding how infinitives or/and verbs can function as nouns, adjectives and adverbs. If anyone could help me try to understand it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Top answer
Hi, An infinitive is the preposition to followed by a verb. Or put another way, one of the forms of a verb preceded by to. The term 'infinitive' is also used to refer to the base verb without 'to'.
- Hi, An infinitive is the preposition to followed by a verb.
- Or put another way, one of the forms of a verb preceded by to.
- The term 'infinitive' is also used to refer to the base verb without 'to'.
- Some people call this 'the bare infinitive'.
- Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs: noun To cook is difficult.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
5 Answers
0
Hi,
An infinitive is the preposition to followed by a verb. Or put another way, one of the forms of a verb preceded by to.
The term 'infinitive' is also used to refer to the base verb without 'to'. Some people call this 'the bare infinitive'.
Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs:
noun To cook is difficult. (it's the sub
An infinitive is the preposition to followed by a verb. Or put another way, one of the forms of a verb preceded by to.
The term 'infinitive' is also used to refer to the base verb without 'to'. Some people call this 'the bare infinitive'.
Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs:
noun To cook is difficult. (it's the sub
00
Thanks, I think I understand now. All the noun examples Iv'e listed function as nouns becasue the subjects are nouns? The adverbs add information and say how or why.
Im a little stuck on the adjective examples though:
As Adjectives Her desire to confess was welcomed. (modifies desire) - is desire a noun?
Im a little stuck on the adjective examples though:
As Adjectives Her desire to confess was welcomed. (modifies desire) - is desire a noun?
00
Hi,
Your dictionary should tell you if these words are nouns. Do you have a dictionary?
If not, there are lots online.
eg /
_______________________________________________
All the noun examples Iv'e listed function as nouns because the subjects are nouns?
When you say this, I'm not
Your dictionary should tell you if these words are nouns. Do you have a dictionary?
If not, there are lots online.
eg /
_______________________________________________
All the noun examples Iv'e listed function as nouns because the subjects are nouns?
When you say this, I'm not
00
I still can not understand infinitives used as noun, adjectives and adverb
00
The re-read Clive's posts. The post your questions on specific problems here.
0
Related Questions