0
Anonymous Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

to+infinitive

The first African American to publish a book in American was Phillis Weatly

plz explain to me why using to publish here, should it be:'' pulished''?

thanks in advanced
  

Top answer

It cannot be published because the sentence already has a main verb ( was ). Who published (creating a finite dependent clause) would be OK. In your original, to publish a book in America is a nonfinite clause postmodifying the first African American .

— Mister Micawber

  • It cannot be published because the sentence already has a main verb ( was ).
  • Who published (creating a finite dependent clause) would be OK.
  • In your original, to publish a book in America is a nonfinite clause postmodifying the first African American .
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
It cannot be published because the sentence already has a main verb (was). Who published (creating a finite dependent clause) would be OK. In your original, to publish a book in America is a nonfinite clause postmodifying the first African American.
0
0
Beware of too many -ed forms, Anon; it's "thanks in advance"! Emotion: smile
0
0
I believe it should be "Phyllis Wheatley."
0

Related Questions