To be + verb as subject

Question

Hi,Is this sentence correct?To be torn from your love is my unjust reality.Thanks, A.L.

Blue Jay · Accepted Answer

It's correct, but starting a sentence with To be (verb)... is uncommon.

CalifJim · Answer

avid learnerTo be + verb as subject

Gerund subjects are preferred over infinitive subjects. Infinitive subjects are grammatically correct, but they tend to sound as if the writer is trying to be poetic. Yours is a good example of something poetic, so the infinitive works well stylistically. Here's another:

To err is human; to forgive, divine.

For more prosaic assertions you have two better ways to do this. Use a dummy-it construction or use a gerund.

To walk through the park was refreshing. (Too poetic for such an ordinary remark.)
It was refreshing to walk through the park. (Solution 1.)
Walking through the park was refreshing. (Solution 2.)

CJ

To be + verb as subject

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